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Impact of COVID-19 Related Lockdown on the Frequency of Acute and Oncological Surgeries—Lessons Learned From an Austrian University Hospital

Authors :
Julia Abram
Lukas Gasteiger
Gabriel Putzer
Patrick Spraider
Simon Mathis
Tobias Hell
Judith Martini
Source :
Frontiers in Public Health, Vol 9 (2021)
Publication Year :
2021
Publisher :
Frontiers Media S.A., 2021.

Abstract

Innsbruck Medical University Hospital, Austria, provides the highest level of care for a region of approximately 1.8 million people. During the early COVID-19 outbreak in spring 2020 surgical activity was drastically reduced with the prime goal of preserving hospital capacities, especially intensive care beds. We conducted a retrospective analysis of surgical activities performed at Innsbruck Medical University Hospital during the lockdown period from March 15 to April 14, 2020 and compared these activities to the same period during the previous 5 years. Total surgical activity was reduced by 65.4% compared to the same period during the previous 5 years (p < 0.001); elective surgeries were reduced by 88.7%, acute surgeries by 35.3% and oncological surgeries by 47.8% compared to the previous 5 years (all p < 0.001). This dramatic decrease in acute and oncological surgeries can most likely be ascribed to the fact that many patients avoided health care facilities because of the strict stay-at-home policy and/or the fear of contracting SARS-CoV-2 in the hospital. In view of future waves, the population should be encouraged to seek medical help for acute symptoms and to attend cancer screening programs.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
22962565
Volume :
9
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Frontiers in Public Health
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.5ee6db7594d8bab08251b2b8cf2c8
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2021.625582