Surgeon and patient

Expertise in Surgical Technology and Care

Inova provides the full range of adult and pediatric surgical procedures at convenient hospital and surgical center locations throughout Northern Virginia. Inova offers the most innovative, technologically advanced surgical equipment and techniques.

With nearly 40 highly trained surgeons who are part of Inova Medical Group, Inova's employed-physician network, and additional community surgeons in private practice, Inova is able to meet any surgical challenge, from gallbladder and hernia surgery to the most complex neurosurgery and transplant procedure.

Inova offers many surgical locations (both inpatient and outpatient) throughout Northern Virginia.

Inova Provides the Whole Spectrum of Surgical Services, Including:

  • Bariatric
  • Breast
  • Cancer
  • Cardiac
  • Colorectal
  • Endocrine
  • Gastrointestinal
  • General
  • Gynecologic
  • Head and Neck
  • Hematology Oncology
  • Joint Replacement
  • Melanoma
  • Neurosurgery
  • Ophthalmology/Cataract Removal
  • Oral/Maxillofacial Surgery
  • Orthopedic
  • Orthopedic Trauma
  • Sports Medicine
  • Thoracic Oncology
  • Trauma and Acute Care

COVID Vaccine & Surgery

Is it safe to receive the COVID-19 vaccine before a surgical procedure? If so, is there an ideal timeframe?

Yes it is safe to receive the vaccine before a surgical procedure. If the timing of the procedure is flexible then it is recommended to schedule the procedure at least 3 days but no more than a week after a vaccine dose. This guidance is given so that any symptoms such as a fever can be correctly attributed to the side effects of either vaccination or the operation/procedure itself.

How soon after my surgery/procedure can I receive the COVID-19 vaccine?

The COVID-19 vaccine should be scheduled at least three days after your procedure to allow for any symptoms that may develop, including a fever, to be correctly attributed to the procedure or the vaccine.

Will the COVID-19 vaccine impact my surgical procedure? Will the vaccine ingredients interact with anesthesia or any other medications?

No, the vaccine will not impact your procedure and appropriate COVID-19 precautions will still be followed regardless of vaccination status. The components of the vaccine should have no impact on the anesthesia or any medications used in relation to your surgical procedure.

Should I postpone my COVID-19 vaccine to after my surgical procedure? If so, how long should I wait?

We do not recommend postponing vaccination unless it would not be feasible to receive it due to the timing of the procedure or expected procedural recovery. Speak with your surgeon for more information. However, as noted above, it would be advisable to space your surgery date and vaccination date by at least 3 days to allow for the proper assignment of any symptoms that may arise such as fever to either the surgery or the vaccination.

Am I required to schedule a COVID-19 test before my surgical procedure if I received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine?

Currently, Inova requires a COVID-19 test before some surgeries and procedures. We will continue this requirement until we know more about asymptomatic spread after vaccination.

Am I required to schedule a COVID-19 test before my surgical procedure if I was previously diagnosed with COVID-19?

If you were previously diagnosed with COVID-19 within the previous 90 days, you do not need another COVID-19 test before elective surgery.

The timing of elective surgery after recovery from COVID-19 utilizes both symptom and severity-based categories. Suggested wait times from the date of COVID-19 diagnosis to surgery are as follows:

  • 4 weeks for an asymptomatic patient or recovery from only mild, non-respiratory symptoms
  • 6 weeks for a symptomatic patient (e.g., cough, dyspnea) who did not require hospitalization
  • 8-10 weeks for a symptomatic patient who is diabetic, immunocompromised, or was hospitalized due to COVID-19 infection
  • 12 weeks for a patient who was admitted to an intensive care unit due to COVID-19 infection

These timelines should not be considered definitive; each patient’s preoperative risk assessment should be individualized, factoring in surgical intensity, patient co-morbidities, and the benefit/risk ratio of further delaying surgery.

Residual symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest pain are common in patients who have had COVID-19. These symptoms can be present more than 60 days after diagnosis. In addition, COVID-19 may have long term effects. Speak with your doctor about a preoperative evaluation.

Am I required to show proof of my COVID-19 vaccination before my procedure?

No. Vaccination status will not have an impact on whether or not your surgery/procedure takes place.

Is Inova offering COVID-19 vaccinations to pre-surgical patients?

Having surgery or a procedure is not part of the criteria used when prioritizing patients for the vaccine, however, we encourage everyone to get their vaccine as soon as it is their turn.