ABSTRACT
Objective: To determine the impact of Covid-19 on colorectal cancer patient's diagnosis and treatment. Study Design: Cross sectional case study Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of General Surgery Unit-II, Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore from January 2020 to January 2021. Material(s) and Method(s): Thirty patients presented for the treatment of colorectal cancer were enrolled. Result(s): Middle aged population is most affected by this type of cancer with majority of patients being in the age bracket of 30-45 years. 19 of these patients were males while 11 were females with male to female ratio 1.7:1 of them passed away with 3 out of 4 patients dying who has contracted Covid during their treatment here. Covid-19 was a contributing factor in 46% cases of late diagnosis which leads to a higher rate of mortality, and it proved to be 75% fatal in patients who contracted it. The delay in diagnosis and treatment was almost primarily due to patients presenting themselves late for the treatment. Conclusion(s): Covid-19 made people hesitant to seek early treatment which led to progression of the colorectal cancer resulting in a higher mortality rate. However no significant difference has been seen overall mortality in both groups those contracted Covidand those did not. Copyright © 2022 Medical Forum Monthly. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this article is to summarize the opinions of the surgical oncology leaders from the Global Forum of Cancer Surgeons (GFCS) about the global impact of COVID-19 pandemic on cancer surgery. METHODS: A panel session (virtual) was held at the annual Society of Surgical Oncology 2021 International Conference on Surgical Cancer Care to address the impact of COVID-19 on cancer surgery globally. Following the virtual meeting, a questionnaire was sent to all the leaders to gather additional opinions. The input obtained from all the leaders was collated and analyzed to understand how cancer surgeons from across the world adapted in real-time to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: The surgical oncology leaders noted that the COVID-19 pandemic led to severe disruptions in surgical cancer care across all domains of clinical care, education, and research. Several new changes/protocols associated with increased costs were implemented to deliver safe care. Leaders also noted that preexisting disparities in care were exacerbated, and the pandemic had a detrimental effect on well-being and financial status. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to severe disruptions in surgical cancer care globally. Leaders of the GFCS opined that new strategies need to be implemented to prepare for any future catastrophic events based on the lessons learned from the current events. The GFCS will embark on developing such a roadmap to ensure that surgical cancer care is preserved in the future regardless of any catastrophic global events.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Neoplasms , Surgeons , Surgical Oncology , COVID-19/epidemiology , Humans , Neoplasms/surgery , PandemicsABSTRACT
Background: The oncologic surgery patients constitute a highly susceptible group during COVID-19 pandemic. Aim: To determine how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the cases of surgical oncology, their frequency with reference to the pre-pandemic era and the challenges faced in general and in their management during the pandemic. Methodology: We conducted a descriptive longitudinal study, using consecutive non-probability sampling technique, estimating the number of cancer cases in our center, their management protocols keeping in view the local and international guidelines, resource availability and how the pandemic affected the dynamics of cancer surgery. Results: We received a total of 63 cancer cases from 1st march-31st august 2020, between age groups 29-70 years. 40 patients out of those 63 presented with complications and received early definitive surgery, where surgery could not be deferred due to the course of disease or complications. Rest of the 20 patients received either neoadjuvant chemotherapy, a palliative procedure or chemoradiotherapy, 2 patients tested COVID-19 positive, 1 non-cancer related mortality. We received 63 patients during our 6 months study time, compared with a total of 156 cancer cases received during the pre-pandemic 6 months period, showing significant decrease in frequency of cancer cases. Conclusion: Cancer cases with a chance of upgradation of disease stage due to delay or those complicated with obstruction or bleeding could not be deferred. Mandatory PCR COVID-19 testing of every admitted patient with a repeat test 48-72 hours before surgery. Early referral to corona care center if patient tests positive. Discussion of every case in MDM prior to decision making. Operating every case with complete SOPs.