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Manzella A, Eskander MF, Grandhi MS, In H, Langan RC, Kennedy T, August D, Alexander HR, Beninato T, Pitt HA. COVID-19 Effect on Surgery for Gastrointestinal Malignancies: Have Operative Volumes Recovered? J Gastrointest Surg 2023; 27:2538-2546. [PMID: 37749458 DOI: 10.1007/s11605-023-05838-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 disrupted elective operations, cancer screening, and routine medical care while simultaneously overwhelming hospital staff and supplies. Operations for gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies rely on endoscopic screening, staging, and neoadjuvant therapy (NAT), each of which was disrupted by the pandemic. The aim was to evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the US national rates of gastrointestinal oncologic operations. METHODS The Vizient Clinical Data Base® was queried for oncologic operations for esophageal, gastric, and colorectal malignancies with and without NAT from March 2019 to March 2022. Control chart analysis examined operative volume over time while Wilcoxon rank sum tests were used to compare mean monthly volume before and during the pandemic. RESULTS A total of 95,912 patients were identified over 36 months; 5.8% esophageal, 6.3% gastric, 77.5% colonic, and 10.4% rectal operations. Esophageal operative volume decreased for 9 months during the pandemic and was significantly lower during than before the pandemic (p=0.002). Gastric operations decreased for 10 months early in the pandemic, but rebounded so that after 2 years volumes were unchanged (p=0.49). Colonic operations experienced a sharp decrease for 4 months at the beginning of the pandemic, but volumes quickly increased and overall were unchanged (p=0.29). Rectal operations decreased for 13 months and were significantly lower during than before the pandemic (p=0.018). Oncologic operations for patients receiving NAT varied. CONCLUSION COVID-19 significantly disrupted the volume of gastrointestinal oncologic operations in the USA. Esophageal and rectal oncologic operations experienced prolonged and significant reductions while gastric and colonic oncologic operations transiently decreased but rebounded during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Manzella
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 195 Little Albany Street, ET834, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, ET834, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Mariam F Eskander
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 195 Little Albany Street, ET834, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, ET834, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Miral S Grandhi
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 195 Little Albany Street, ET834, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, ET834, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Haejin In
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 195 Little Albany Street, ET834, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, ET834, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Russell C Langan
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 195 Little Albany Street, ET834, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, ET834, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Timothy Kennedy
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 195 Little Albany Street, ET834, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, ET834, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - David August
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 195 Little Albany Street, ET834, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, ET834, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - H Richard Alexander
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 195 Little Albany Street, ET834, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, ET834, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Toni Beninato
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 195 Little Albany Street, ET834, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, ET834, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Henry A Pitt
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, ET834, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA.
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Feier CVI, Santoro RR, Faur AM, Muntean C, Olariu S. Assessing Changes in Colon Cancer Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Four-Year Analysis at a Romanian University Hospital. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6558. [PMID: 37892695 PMCID: PMC10607165 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12206558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This retrospective study investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the surgical management of patients with colon cancer in a tertiary University Hospital in Timisoara, Romania. Data from 867 patients who underwent surgical interventions for this condition between 26 February 2019 and 25 February 2023 were meticulously analyzed to evaluate substantial shifts in the management and outcomes of these patients in comparison to the pre-pandemic era. The results reveal a substantial decrease in elective surgical procedures (p < 0.001) and a significant increase in emergency interventions (p < 0.001). However, postoperative mortality did not show significant variations. Of concern is the diagnosis of patients at more advanced stages of colon cancer, with a significant increase in Stage IV cases in the second year of the pandemic (p = 0.045). Average hospitalization durations recorded a significant decrease (p < 0.001) during the pandemic, and an inverse correlation between patient age and surgery duration was reported (p = 0.01, r = -0.088). This analysis provides a comprehensive perspective on how the pandemic has influenced the management of colon cancer, highlighting significant implications for the management and outcomes of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catalin Vladut Ionut Feier
- First Discipline of Surgery, Department X-Surgery, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 E. Murgu Sq., 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (C.V.I.F.); (S.O.)
- First Surgery Clinic, “Pius Brinzeu” Clinical Emergency Hospital, 300723 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Rebecca Rosa Santoro
- Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Alaviana Monique Faur
- Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Calin Muntean
- Medical Informatics and Biostatistics, Department III-Functional Sciences, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 E. Murgu Sq., 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Sorin Olariu
- First Discipline of Surgery, Department X-Surgery, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 E. Murgu Sq., 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (C.V.I.F.); (S.O.)
- First Surgery Clinic, “Pius Brinzeu” Clinical Emergency Hospital, 300723 Timisoara, Romania
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Takagi T, Kinoshita S, Kawaguchi C, Ohyama T. Delayed Presentation and Referral Time from General Practitioners Contribute to Increased Complicated Appendicitis during the Initial COVID-19 Pandemic Period in Japan. J Anus Rectum Colon 2023; 7:17-24. [PMID: 36743468 PMCID: PMC9876603 DOI: 10.23922/jarc.2022-029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study aims to investigate the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the situation of acute appendicitis (AA) with respect to patients' and general practitioners' behaviors in a general community hospital in Japan. Methods The surgical outcomes and periods from symptom onset to medical presentation besides practitioners' referral time for consecutive AA patients were compared between the control (January 2016 to March 2020) and COVID-19 periods (April 2020 to April 2021). Results Eighty-three patients who underwent emergency surgery for AA were reviewed. Complicated appendicitis significantly increased in the COVID-19 period (63.6% vs. 31.2%, P = 0.023). In the COVID-19 period, the time from symptom onset to the medical presentation (2.2 vs. 0.9 days, P < 0.001) was significantly longer than in the control period. Among the patients who first presented to a general practitioner, the referral time from the practitioner to our hospital was significantly longer in the COVID-19 period (1.6 vs. 0.7 days, P = 0.017). Furthermore, among patients with a fever of higher than 38°C at medical presentation, the time from symptom onset to medical presentation was significantly longer in the COVID-19 period (3.0 vs. 0.7 days, P = 0.015). There was no difference in severe postoperative complications. Conclusions Hesitation to seek surgical treatment for AA was seen in both the patients and practitioners in the COVID-19 period. The delay in surgical treatment presumably led to the increase in severe AA. In a pandemic era, timely care for emergent conditions is a crucial challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadataka Takagi
- Department of Surgery, Heisei Memorial Hospital, Kashihara, Japan
| | | | | | - Takao Ohyama
- Department of Surgery, Heisei Memorial Hospital, Kashihara, Japan
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Tang G, Pi F, Tao J, Wei Z. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on surgical outcomes in patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery: A retrospective study and meta-analysis of data from 11,082 participants. Front Public Health 2022; 10:907571. [PMID: 36249184 PMCID: PMC9556652 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.907571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the care of patients with colorectal cancer worldwide, resulting in the postponement of many colorectal cancer surgeries. However, the effectiveness and safety of performing colorectal cancer surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic is unknown. This study evaluated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on surgical outcomes in patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery. Methods We retrospectively identified patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery in January 21, 2019, to April 1, 2019, vs. January 21, 2020, to April 1, 2020. Data regarding perioperative outcomes (postoperative complications, conversion rate, duration of surgery, intraoperative blood loss, transfusion, reoperation, intensive care, histological examination, morbidity, and length of hospital stay) were retrieved and compared between the two cohorts. A meta-analysis of 14 studies was also conducted to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on surgical outcomes in patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery. Results The sample included 68 patients who underwent surgery in 2020 and 136 patients who underwent surgery in 2019. No patient was converted from laparoscopy to laparotomy or required reoperation. R0 resection was completed in all patients in both groups. There was no significant difference in postoperative complications (p = 0.508), duration of surgery (p = 0.519), intraoperative blood loss (p = 0.148), transfusion (0.217), intensive care (p = 0.379), mean lymph node yield (p = 0.205), vascular positivity rate (p = 0.273), nerve invasion rate (p = 0.713), anastomosis leak rate (p = 1), morbidity (p = 0.478), and length of hospital stay (p = 0.623) between the two groups. The meta-analysis also showed no significant difference in short-term outcomes between the two groups. Conclusions Our study shows that the COVID-19 pandemic has not led to a deterioration in the surgical outcomes of colorectal cancer surgery or reduction in the quality of cancer removal. Therefore, we do not recommend postponing elective colorectal cancer surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Tang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Feng Pi
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jie Tao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhengqiang Wei
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China,*Correspondence: Zhengqiang Wei
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Miyo M, Mizushima T, Nishimura J, Hata T, Tei M, Miyake Y, Kagawa Y, Noura S, Ikenaga M, Danno K, Ogawa A, Chinen Y, Hata T, Miyoshi N, Takahashi H, Uemura M, Yamamoto H, Murata K, Doki Y, Eguchi H. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on colorectal cancer surgery in Japan: Clinical Study Group of Osaka University-A multicenter retrospective study. Ann Gastroenterol Surg 2022; 7:AGS312616. [PMID: 36247513 PMCID: PMC9538119 DOI: 10.1002/ags3.12616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim Due to the overwhelming spread of SARS-CoV-2 and its disruption of the healthcare system, delays and reduced numbers were reported for colorectal cancer screening, colonoscopies, and surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic. This multicenter retrospective study investigated the still poorly understood impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on colorectal cancer treatment in Japan. Methods This study was organized by the Clinical Study Group of Osaka University, which comprised 32 major institutions in Osaka. We retrospectively analyzed the number of surgeries and colonoscopies performed and the characteristics of patients who underwent surgery for colorectal cancer between March 2019 and February 2021. We compared data collected before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also assessed the methods used for detecting colorectal cancer, including fecal occult blood test, abdominal symptoms, and anemia. Results The COVID-19 pandemic caused reductions in the annual numbers of surgeries (3569 vs 3198) and colonoscopies (67 622 vs 58 183) performed in the 2020 fiscal year, compared to the 2019 fiscal year. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a significantly lower proportion of patients were treated for clinical stages ≤I (24.2% vs 26.9%; P = .011), compared to the proportion treated before the pandemic. Fecal occult blood tests for detecting colorectal cancer were used significantly less frequently during the COVID-19 pandemic (26.2% vs 29.6%; P = .002). These trends were more significant in larger institutions. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic reduced the number of colonoscopies and surgeries performed for colorectal cancer and hindered the detection of asymptomatic early-stage cancers, and its impact varied by hospital size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaaki Miyo
- Department of SurgeryNational Hospital Organization Osaka National HospitalOsakaJapan
| | | | - Junichi Nishimura
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryOsaka International Cancer InstituteOsakaJapan
| | - Taishi Hata
- Department of SurgeryKansai Rosai HospitalAmagasakiJapan
| | | | | | - Yoshinori Kagawa
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryOsaka General Medical CenterOsakaJapan
| | - Shingo Noura
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryToyonaka Municipal HospitalToyonakaJapan
| | - Masakazu Ikenaga
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryHigashiosaka City Medical CenterHigashiosakaJapan
| | | | - Atsuhiro Ogawa
- Department of SurgeryTanemulti‐solution General HospitalOsakaJapan
| | - Yoshinao Chinen
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryGraduate School of Medicine, Osaka UniversitySuitaJapan
| | - Tsuyoshi Hata
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryGraduate School of Medicine, Osaka UniversitySuitaJapan
| | - Norikatsu Miyoshi
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryGraduate School of Medicine, Osaka UniversitySuitaJapan
| | - Hidekazu Takahashi
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryGraduate School of Medicine, Osaka UniversitySuitaJapan
| | - Mamoru Uemura
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryGraduate School of Medicine, Osaka UniversitySuitaJapan
| | - Hirofumi Yamamoto
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryGraduate School of Medicine, Osaka UniversitySuitaJapan
| | - Kohei Murata
- Department of SurgeryKansai Rosai HospitalAmagasakiJapan
| | - Yuichiro Doki
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryGraduate School of Medicine, Osaka UniversitySuitaJapan
| | - Hidetoshi Eguchi
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryGraduate School of Medicine, Osaka UniversitySuitaJapan
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