Oncological colorectal surgery during the COVID-19pandemic—a national survey

Brunner M, Krautz C, Kersting S, Stinner B, Benz SR, Grützmann R, Weber G (2020)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2020

Journal

DOI: 10.1007/s00384-020-03697-6

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to clarify the surgical supply situation of oncological colorectal patients in Germany during limitations of the OR caseload due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Between 11th and 19th April 2020, all members of a consortium of German colorectal cancer centers were invited to participate in a web-based survey on the current status of surgical care situation of colorectal cancer patients in Germany. Results: A total of 112 colorectal surgeons of 101 German hospitals participated in the survey. Eighty-seven percent of the participating hospitals had to reduce their total surgical caseload and 34% their surgical volume for oncological colorectal patients during COVID-19 pandemic. Restrictions of the surgical caseload were independent of the size of the hospital and the number of cases of COVID-19 in the federal state of the hospital. Sixteen percent of colorectal surgeons consider surgical limitations to be not justified and 78% to be justified only if the care of oncological patients is ensured. Ninety-five percent of the colorectal surgeons interviewed stated that all oncological colorectal patients with an indication for surgery should be operated in time, despite the current reservations for COVID-19 patients. For the majority of the respondents (63% and 51%, respectively), an extended waiting time for surgery of up to 2 weeks was acceptable for non-metastatic and metastatic patients, respectively. Conclusion: In Germany, there is a temporarily relevant reduction of surgical volume in oncological colorectal patients. Most colorectal surgeons stated that oncological colorectal surgery should not be compromised despite the measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Authors with CRIS profile

Involved external institutions

Elbe Kliniken Stade-Buxtehude Germany (DE) Klinikverbund Südwest (Sindelfingen-Böblingen, Calw, Nagold, Leonberg, Herrenberg) Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Brunner, M., Krautz, C., Kersting, S., Stinner, B., Benz, S.R., Grützmann, R., & Weber, G. (2020). Oncological colorectal surgery during the COVID-19pandemic—a national survey. International Journal of Colorectal Disease. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00384-020-03697-6

MLA:

Brunner, Maximilian, et al. "Oncological colorectal surgery during the COVID-19pandemic—a national survey." International Journal of Colorectal Disease (2020).

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