Papalia R, Cataldo R, Alloni R, Pang KH, Alcini A, Flammia G, Salerno A, Notarangelo MG, Angeletti S, Venditti A, Sommella L, Scarpa RM, Esperto F. Urologic surgery in a safe hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic scenario.
Minerva Urol Nephrol 2020;
73:384-391. [PMID:
32573174 DOI:
10.23736/s2724-6051.20.03923-5]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
The COVID-19 pandemic induced a global emergency that overwhelmed most hospitals around the world. Access to hospitals has been restricted to selective oncological and urgent patients to minimize surgeries requiring Intensive Care Unit care. All other kind of non-urgent and benign surgeries have been rescheduled. The burden of oncological and urgent cases on the healthcare system has increased.
METHODS
We have been asked to become the referral center for major oncological and urgent urological surgeries, increasing our surgical volume. Through meticulous hospital protocols on PPE, use of nasopharyngeal swabs, controlled hospital access and the prompt management of suspected/positive cases, we were able to perform 31% more urological surgical procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the same period in 2019.
RESULTS
We observed a 72% increase in oncological surgical procedures and 150% in urgent procedures.
CONCLUSIONS
Our experience shows how the management of oncological and urgent cases can be maintained during unexpected, global emergencies, such as COVID-19.
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