Hurricane Causes Lengthy Surgical Delays Nationwide

Surgery schedules across the United States face potential postponements for weeks to come due to a crucial IV and sterile fluids plant shut down by Hurricane Helene. The Baxter International factory in North Carolina, vital for producing nearly 60% of the nation's IV solutions, was forced to close because of flooding. As a result, hospitals are conserving essential supplies and prioritizing emergency cases over elective procedures, often resorting to alternatives like Gatorade for patients who can ingest fluids. Erin Fox of the University of Utah Health described the situation as "doing the most good with what you have."

Efforts are underway to alleviate the shortages. The FDA has approved importing fluids from international Baxter facilities, while rival manufacturer B. Braun Medical has increased production in Florida and California. The FDA has also temporarily made it easier for compounding pharmacies to produce IV drugs that are involved in the shortage.

Baxter's North Carolina plant has resumed utilities and is preparing to restart operations by year-end. Despite these efforts, the timeline for full restoration to pre-hurricane production volumes remains uncertain. The disruption coincides with peak surgery scheduling as patients aim to maximize insurance coverage before the new year. As the health system grapples with these supply constraints, the industry remains hopeful yet cautious about overcoming the fluid shortage. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)