Subject(s)
Colorectal Surgery/statistics & numerical data , Coronavirus Infections/epidemiology , Intestinal Diseases/epidemiology , Intestinal Diseases/surgery , Pandemics/statistics & numerical data , Pneumonia, Viral/epidemiology , Professional Practice/statistics & numerical data , Betacoronavirus , COVID-19 , China/epidemiology , Clinical Decision-Making , Colonic Diseases , Coronavirus Infections/complications , Humans , Intestinal Diseases/diagnosis , Intestinal Diseases/therapy , Patient Care , Pneumonia, Viral/complications , Practice Patterns, Physicians'/statistics & numerical data , Rectal Diseases , SARS-CoV-2 , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the experience of surgery in IBD patients during the COVID pandemic. METHODS: A survey was distributed among patients undergoing IBD-related surgeries from January 2020 to March 2020 via an online platform. The response was submitted anonymously. RESULTS: A total of 78 patients responded to the survey. COVID-19 testing was conducted in 60 (76.9%) patients, and they were all tested negative. Emergent surgery was performed in 12 (15.4%) patients and postponed surgery in 18 (23.1%) patients. The surgical indications were mainly bowel obstruction (N = 21, 26.9%) and perianal abscess (N = 18, 23.1%). Postoperative complications were noted in 5.1% of cases, but no re-operation was required. Due to the ongoing COVID pandemic, 58 (74.4%) patients reported various levels of concern and anxiety for surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Common surgical indications were for bowel obstruction and perianal abscess. Surgery can be postponed, but disease progression should be monitored closely and surgically intervened as needed. Most patients expressed anxiety resulting from the pandemic. The overall experience was satisfactory.
Subject(s)
Abscess/surgery , Anxiety/psychology , COVID-19 , Digestive System Surgical Procedures/psychology , Hospitalization , Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/surgery , Intestinal Obstruction/surgery , Intestinal Perforation/surgery , Abscess/etiology , Adult , COVID-19 Testing , Female , Hospitals , Humans , Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/complications , Intestinal Obstruction/etiology , Intestinal Perforation/etiology , Male , Middle Aged , Pandemics , Postoperative Complications/epidemiology , SARS-CoV-2 , Surveys and Questionnaires , Young AdultABSTRACT
Novel coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is an ongoing public-health pandemic worldwide. Although SARS-CoV-2 has been known to spread primarily through respiratory droplets, recent evidence also supports fecal/oral as an additional route of transmission, raising concerns over gastrointestinal (GI) transmission of the infection. Herein, we, as the front-line Chinese GI surgeons, would like to share our experience and lessons in the combat against COVID-19. It is essential to create science-based, rational, and practical strategies during the outbreak of COVID-19. Here, we provide multi-institutional consensus on minimizing disease transmission while continuing to provide care from all aspects for patients in GI surgery, including outpatient clinics, inpatient units, gastrointestinal endoscopy centers, and adjustments in perioperative care. Our experiences and recommendations are worth sharing and may help to establish specific infection-control and outcome measures.