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Yuh WT, Kim J, Kim MS, Kim JH, Kim YR, Kim S, Chung CK, Lee CH, Park SB, Kim KT, Rhee JM, Ko YS, Kim CH. Trends in degenerative lumbar spinal surgery during the early COVID-19 pandemic in Republic of Korea: A national study utilizing the national health insurance database. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0305128. [PMID: 38861502 PMCID: PMC11166321 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Republic of Korea (ROK) experienced three epidemic waves in February, August, and November 2020. These waves, combined with the overarching pandemic, significantly influenced trends in spinal surgery. This study aimed to investigate the trends in degenerative lumbar spinal surgery in ROK during the early COVID-19 pandemic, especially in relation to specific epidemic waves. Using the National Health Information Database in ROK, we identified all patients who underwent surgery for degenerative lumbar spinal diseases between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2020. A joinpoint regression was used to assess temporal trends in spinal surgeries over the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of surgeries decreased following the first and second epidemic waves (p<0.01 and p = 0.34, respectively), but these were offset by compensatory increases later on (p<0.01 and p = 0.05, respectively). However, the third epidemic wave did not lead to a decrease in surgical volume, and the total number of surgeries remained comparable to the period before the pandemic. When compared to the pre-COVID-19 period, average LOH was reduced by 1 day during the COVID-19 period (p<0.01), while mean hospital costs increased significantly from 3,511 to 4,061 USD (p<0.01). Additionally, the transfer rate and the 30-day readmission rate significantly decreased (both p<0.01), while the reoperation rate remained stable (p = 0.36). Despite the impact of epidemic waves on monthly surgery numbers, a subsequent compensatory increase was observed, indicating that surgical care has adapted to the challenges of the pandemic. This adaptability, along with the stable total number of operations, highlights the potential for healthcare systems to continue elective spine surgery during public health crises with strategic resource allocation and patient triage. Policies should ensure that surgeries for degenerative spinal diseases, particularly those not requiring urgent care but crucial for patient quality of life, are not unnecessarily halted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woon Tak Yuh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hallym University Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital, Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinhee Kim
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Medical Research Collaborating Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Sook Kim
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Medical Research Collaborating Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Hoe Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Rak Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sum Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chun Kee Chung
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Hyun Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Bae Park
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Boramae Hospital, Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung-Tae Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
- Department of Neurosurgery, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Republic of Korea
| | - John M. Rhee
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Young San Ko
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Chi Heon Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Medical Device Development, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Dodo Y, Okano I, Kelly NA, Sanchez LA, Haffer H, Muellner M, Chiapparelli E, Oezel L, Evangelisti G, Shue J, Lebl DR, Cammisa FP, Girardi FP, Hughes AP, Sokunbi G, Sama AA. The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Ambulatory Lumbar Spine Decompression Surgery. Cureus 2024; 16:e60058. [PMID: 38854208 PMCID: PMC11162835 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Only a few studies have examined the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on spine ambulatory surgeries and changes in trends. Therefore, we investigated trends during the pre-pandemic period and three pandemic stages in patients undergoing lumbar decompression procedures in the ambulatory surgery (AMS) setting. Methodology A total of 2,670 adult patients undergoing one- or two-level lumbar decompression surgery were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were categorized into the following four groups: 1: pre-pandemic (before the pandemic from January 1, 2019, to March 16, 2020); 2: restricted period (when elective surgery was canceled from March 17, 2020, to June 30, 2020); 3: post-restricted 2020 (July 1, 2020, to December 31, 2020, before vaccination); and 4: post-restricted 2021 (January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021 after vaccination). Simple and multivariable logistic regression analyses as well as retrospective interrupted time series (ITS) analysis were conducted comparing AMS patients in the four periods. Results Patients from the restricted pandemic period were younger and healthier, which led to a shorter length of stay (LOS). The ITS analysis demonstrated a significant drop in mean LOS at the beginning of the restricted period and recovered to the pre-pandemic levels in one year. Multivariable logistic regression analyses indicated that the pandemic was an independent factor influencing the LOS in post-restricted phases. Conclusions As the post-restricted 2020 period itself might be independently influenced by the pandemic, these results should be taken into account when interpreting the LOS of the patients undergoing ambulatory spine surgery in post-restricted phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Dodo
- Spine Care Institute, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, USA
| | - Ichiro Okano
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Showa University, Tokyo, JPN
| | - Neil A Kelly
- Spine Care Institute, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, USA
| | | | - Henryk Haffer
- Spine Care Institute, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, USA
| | | | | | - Lisa Oezel
- Spine Care Institute, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, USA
| | | | - Jennifer Shue
- Spine Care Institute, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, USA
| | - Darren R Lebl
- Spine Care Institute, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, USA
| | - Frank P Cammisa
- Spine Care Institute, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, USA
| | | | | | - Gbolabo Sokunbi
- Spine Care Institute, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, USA
| | - Andrew A Sama
- Spine Care Institute, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, USA
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[How was spinal surgery activity maintained during the COVID-19 pandemic? Results of a French multicenter observational study]. REVUE DE CHIRURGIE ORTHOPEDIQUE ET TRAUMATOLOGIQUE 2023; 109:54-58. [PMID: 35126796 PMCID: PMC8806124 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcot.2022.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Introduction La Société française de chirurgie rachidienne (SFCR) a des recommandations pendant la pandémie COVID. L’objectif de ce travail est de rapporter l’organisation et l’activité en chirurgie rachidienne pendant le premier mois de confinement de 6 centres en France. L’objectif secondaire est de contrôler l’adéquation de nos pratiques avec les recommandations de la SFCR. Matériel et méthode Il s’agit d’une étude observationnelle multicentrique prospective entre le 16 mars et le 16 avril 2020 rapportant l’activité chirurgicale rachidienne dans chaque institution, ainsi que les modifications organisationnelles appliquées. L’activité chirurgicale était comparée à celle de la même période en 2019 dans chaque centre et évaluée en fonction des recommandations de la SCFR afin de contrôler l’adéquation de nos pratiques en période de pandémie. Résultats Pendant le pic de l’épidémie 246 patients dont 6 patients COVID+ ont été pris en charge chirurgicalement. Les baisses d’activité les plus importantes étaient retrouvées à Strasbourg (−81,5 %) et à Paris (−65 %), régions dans lesquelles la situation sanitaire était la plus critique, mais également à Bordeaux (−75 %) malgré une circulation virale moins importante. Un fonctionnement de 20 à 50 % des capacités normales des salles opératoires était noté. La diminution importante des procédures pour rachis dégénératif ou déformations était en adéquation avec les recommandations de la SFCR. Conclusion Le maintien d’une activité chirurgicale rachidienne est possible et souhaitable même en période de crise sanitaire. Les indications doivent être réfléchies selon les critères d’urgences élaborés par les sociétés savantes et adaptées à l’évolution sanitaire et aux possibilités techniques de prise en charge par centre. Niveau de preuve IV.
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Attaripour B, Xiang S, Mitchell B, Siow M, Parekh J, Shahidi B. A Retrospective Study of the Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic Related Administrative Restrictions on Spine Surgery Practice and Outcomes in an Urban Healthcare System. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10573. [PMID: 36078305 PMCID: PMC9518046 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The study objective is to characterize the impact of COVID-19 related hospital administrative restrictions on patient demographics, surgical care, logistics, and patient outcomes in spine surgery. This was a retrospective study of 331 spine surgery patients at UCSD conducted during 1 March 2019-31 May 2019 (pre-COVID-19) and 1 March 2020-31 May 2020 (first COVID-19 surge). All variables were collected through RedCap and compared between pre- and during-COVID groups. There were no significant differences in patient demographics, operating room duration, and skin-to-skin time. However, length of stay was 4.7 days shorter during COVID-19 (p = 0.03) and more cases were classified as 'urgent' (p = 0.04). Preoperative pain scores did not differ between groups (p = 0.51). However, pain levels at discharge were significantly higher during COVID (p = 0.04) and trended towards remaining higher in the short- (p = 0.05) but not long-term (p = 0.17) after surgery. There was no significant difference in the number of post-operative complications, but there was an increase in the use of the emergency room and telemedicine to address complications when they arose. Overall, the pandemic resulted in a greater proportion of 'urgent' spine surgery cases and shorter length of hospital stay. Pain levels upon discharge and at short-term timepoints were higher following surgery but did not persist in the long term.
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Garzillo EM, Cioffi A, Carta A, Monaco MGL. Returning to Work after the COVID-19 Pandemic Earthquake: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19084538. [PMID: 35457407 PMCID: PMC9024882 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19084538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Background: The ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has disrupted life and work habits and has produced landmark changes worldwide. This systematic review aimed to analyse the management of Return to Work (RTW) by work organisations following the virus spread. Methods: A selection of 2477 papers, using string research on PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Scopus from January 2020 to October 2021, were analysed. Results: Fifty-one articles were finally included, and the results obtained were discussed from three different points of view. Twenty articles concerning ‘Remodelling of Work Organization’ proposed some model strategies for resumption to work. Twenty-one papers, including ‘Clinical Evaluation of Workers’, mostly explored the psychosocial impact of returned workers. Finally, twelve articles explored the best ‘Testing Strategies related to RTW’. Despite the heterogeneity of included articles, several interesting approaches have emerged in managing RTW. Conclusions: The reported experiences could help to develop an RTW model for COVID-19 and future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arcangelo Cioffi
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (A.C.); (A.C.)
| | - Angela Carta
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (A.C.); (A.C.)
- Occupational Medicine Unit, University Hospital of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Lourdes Monaco
- Occupational Medicine Unit, University Hospital of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-045-8123946
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Ramieri A, Alshafeei O, Trungu S, Raco A, Costanzo G, Miscusi M. COVID-19 pandemic: An update on the reaction attitude of the spine societies and their members worldwide. World J Orthop 2022; 13:193-200. [PMID: 35317407 PMCID: PMC8891658 DOI: 10.5312/wjo.v13.i2.193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND All surgical specialties have been influenced by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and substantial changes have been determined in medical assistance, especially in elective surgery. Several spine societies have published recommendations to provide optimal care during this unique situation.
AIM To discuss the recommendations by many spine societies for the management of spinal diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic.
METHODS The present study was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. A review of the MEDLINE database (PubMed – National Library of Medicine), Google, and Google Scholar was performed from March 2020 to date for articles published in the English Language.
RESULTS Spine associations and societies worldwide were divided into three groups: Continental, specialty and country-based societies. A total of 27 spine associations were included in this review. There were eight major continental associations, but only one-third of these had published guidelines and recommendations on this topic. On the other hand, the specialty-based societies have not addressed the topic, except in two cases.
CONCLUSION The national spine societies showed the deepest concern on this topic with several publications in scientific journals influenced by the local epidemiological severity. Contrarily, continental and specialty-based societies showed less interest in this topic.
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Khattab MFM, Sykes DAW, Abd-El-Barr MM, Waguia R, Montaser A, Ghamry SE, Elhawary Y. Spine surgery under awake spinal anesthesia: an Egyptian experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Neurosurg Focus 2021; 51:E6. [PMID: 34852322 DOI: 10.3171/2021.9.focus21456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite tremendous advancements in biomedical science and surgical technique, spine surgeries are still associated with considerable rates of morbidity and mortality, particularly in the elderly. Multiple novel techniques have been employed in recent years to adequately treat spinal diseases while mitigating the perioperative morbidity associated with traditional spinal surgery. Some of these techniques include minimally invasive methods and novel anesthetic and analgesic methods. In recent years, awake spine surgery with spinal anesthesia has gained attention as an alternative to general anesthesia (GA). In this study, the authors retrospectively reviewed a single-institution Egyptian experience with awake spine surgery using spinal anesthesia during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Overall, 149 patients who were admitted to As-Salam International Hospital in Cairo for lumbar and lower thoracic spine surgeries, between 2019 and 2020, were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics and comorbidities were collected and analyzed. Visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were assessed at different time intervals including preoperatively, immediately after surgery, and 1 year postoperatively. Patient satisfaction was queried through a questionnaire assessing patient preference for traditional anesthesia or spinal anesthesia. RESULTS Of the 149 patients who successfully received spine surgery with spinal anesthesia, there were 49 males and 100 females. The cohort age ranged from 22 to 85 years with a mean of 47.5 years. The operative time ranged from 45 to 300 minutes with a mean estimated blood loss (EBL) of 385 ± 156 mL. No major cardiopulmonary or intraoperative complications occurred, and patients were able to eat immediately after surgery. Patients were able to ambulate without an assistive device 6 to 8 hours after surgery. Decompression and fusion patients were discharged on postoperative days 2 and 3, respectively. VAS and ODI scores demonstrated excellent pain relief, which was maintained at the 1-year postoperative follow-up. No 30- or 90-day readmissions were recorded. Of 149 patients, 124 were satisfied with spinal anesthesia and would recommend spinal anesthesia to other patients. The remaining patients were not satisfied with spinal anesthesia but reported being pleased with their postoperative clinical and functional outcomes. One patient was converted to GA due to the duration of the procedure. CONCLUSIONS Patients who received spinal anesthesia for awake spine surgery experienced short stays in the hospital, no readmissions, patient satisfaction, and well-controlled pain. The results of this study have validated the growing body of literature that demonstrates that awake spine surgery with spinal anesthesia is safe and associated with superior outcomes compared with traditional GA. Additionally, the ability to address chronic debilitating conditions, such as spinal conditions, with minimal use of valuable resources, such as ventilators, proved useful during the COVID-19 pandemic and could be a model should other stressors on healthcare systems arise, especially in developing areas of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David A W Sykes
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | | | - Romaric Waguia
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Amr Montaser
- 3Aneaesthesia Department, As-Salam International Hospital, Cairo
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Soffin EM, Reisener MJ, Padgett DE, Kelly BT, Sama AA, Zhu J, Salzmann SN, Chiapparelli E, Okano I, Oezel L, Miller AO, Cammisa FP, Girardi FP, Hughes AP. Coronavirus Disease 2019 Exposure in Surgeons and Anesthesiologists at a New York City Specialty Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study of Symptoms and SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Status. J Occup Environ Med 2021; 63:521-527. [PMID: 34048384 PMCID: PMC8168673 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We measured the seroprevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies among surgeons and anesthesiologists and associated antibody status with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) clinical illness. METHODS A cross-sectional study of SARS-CoV-2 IgG seroprevalence with a survey assessing demographics, SARS-CoV-2 exposure risk, and COVID-19 illness. The primary outcome was the period prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies associated with COVID-19 illness. RESULTS One hundred forty three surgeons and anesthesiologists completed both serology and survey testing. We found no significant relationships between antibody status and clinical role (anesthesiologist, surgeon), mode of commuting to work, other practice settings, or place of residence. SARS-CoV-2 IgG seroprevalence was 9.8%. Positive IgG status was highly correlated with presence of symptoms of COVID-19 illness. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest the relative safety of surgeons and anesthesiologists where personal protective equipment (PPE) is available and infection control protocols are implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen M Soffin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Management (Dr Soffin); Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Spine Care Institute (Dr Reisener, Dr Sama, Dr Salzmann, Dr Chiapparelli, Dr Okano, Dr Oezel, Dr Cammisa, Dr Girardi, Dr Hughes); Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hip and Knee Arthroplasty (Dr Padgett); Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sports Medicine (Dr Kelly); Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics Core (Ms Zhu); Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases (Dr Miller), Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York; Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany (Dr Oezel)
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