The consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic on elective surgery for colon cancer.

ABSTRACT

AIM OF THE STUDY This study presents the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on elective surgical treatment of patients diagnosed with colon cancer, in a University Clinic of Surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The data from patients who underwent an elective surgery procedure for colon cancer during the pandemic period (26.02.2020-01.10.2021) was analyzed. This period was compared with the same interval for the years 2016-2017 and 2018-2019. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in the number of patients that underwent an elective surgery for colon cancer during the pandemic. The Covid-19 generated pandemic has influenced the number of days from diagnosis to treatment, preoperative and postoperative hospitalization. There was an increase in the number of patients with severe symptoms, with complete or incomplete ileus. The number of lymphatic nodes harvested increased during the last period of study, being correlated with the advanced cancer stage. CONCLUSIONS: The Covid-19 pandemic had an influence on the management of the patients with colon cancer undergoing an elective surgery procedure. Firstly, their number decreased compared to the other periods, and they presented more severe symptoms. The duration of the surgical act was extended, but the postoperative stay was shortened. KEY WORDS Colon cancer, Covid-19 Pandemic, Duration of surgery, Elective surgery.