The influence of COVID-19 pandemic on number of patients reporting to the Emergency Department and operated of acute cholecystitis and incarcerated hernias
Abstract
Introduction: The fear of SARS-CoV-2 infection had a significant impact on a number of patients reporting to the hospitals. Despite the presence of disturbing symptoms, patients postponed their medical visits. It resulted in health deterioration that worsened conditions for surgical procedures.
Aim of the stdy: The aim of study was to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on a number of patients reporting to the Emergency Department at University Hospital in Bialystok and a number of surgical emergency procedures and the Department of General Surgery.
Material and methods: The retrospective analysis of patients who reported to the Internal Medicine and Surgical office of the Emergency Department at University Hospital in Bialystok in the same periods from June to December 2019 and 2020 with surgical conditions such as cholecystitis, inguinal hernia, and umbilical hernia.
Results: In 2020, there was a significant decrease in the number of patients reporting to the Emergency Department when compared to 2019 (664 vs. 955). In 2020, there were more emergency surgeries performed including laparoscopic cholecystectomy (32 vs. 28) and inguinal hernia repair (17 vs. 5, p = 0.0013) compared to 2019. The analysis of biochemical parameters showed a higher level of C-reactive protein in patients undergoing emergency surgery in 2020 when compared to 2019 (11.85 vs. 3.35 p = 0.0140).
Conclusions: The number of patients reporting to the Emergency Department was significantly lower in 2020 when compared to 2019 and patients presented more severe symptoms and general conditions. The above analysis triggered by the Coronavirus pandemic could be a useful tool for better managing similar crisis in the future.
Keywords: COVID-19SARS-CoV-2pandemicemergency surgical procedure
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