Implementation of Specific Neurosurgical Protocol for Urgent Elective and Emergency Patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Croatia

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic was declared on January 30, 2020. disease has rapidly disseminated throughout Europe, reaching Croatia from late February onward, representing a great burden to the national health care system. Our institution’s capacity for emergency neurosurgery adjusted assure adequate degree of protection both patients and medical workforce. Separate COVID-19-free pathways were ensured, while regular operative program been attuned existing epidemiological condition. Aim: To explain implementation neurosurgical protocol urgent elective traumatic brain injury during based our institutional experience. Methods: time divided into 3 separate two-month periods. Patients, who suffered not tested corona virus, considered COVID positive included in analysis investigating type severity injury, period hospital admission surgery, methods outcome. Results: A series consisted 16 at admission, under-went urgent/emergency surgery before test results became known. Surgery performed according specifically designed protocol. Skull fracture intracranial hemorrhage mainly observed. Moderate recorded less frequently, particularly lock down, post down summer. majority recuperated well, having good recovery. Conclusion: specific protocol, employment protective measures, operating theatre are mandatory safe successful management evade transmission infection.