Clinical Endoscopy (Jan 2022)

Impact of the COVID-19 Outbreak on Anesthesiologist Assistance for Endoscopic Procedures

  • Calcedonio Calcara,
  • Camilla Ciscato,
  • Arnaldo Amato,
  • Emanuele Sinagra,
  • Costanza Alvisi,
  • Sandro Ardizzone,
  • Andrea Anderloni,
  • Pietro Gambitta,

DOI
https://doi.org/10.5946/ce.2021.191
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 55, no. 1
pp. 49 – 57

Abstract

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Background/Aims: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has modified the activities of endoscopy units worldwide. Herein, we investigated the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on anesthesiologist assistance for endoscopic procedures in Lombardy, Italy. Methods: A questionnaire concerning anesthesiologist assistance provided from October 26 to December 6, 2020, in comparison with the same period in 2019, was sent to endoscopic units in Lombardy. Results: Approximately 54% (34/63) of the units responded. A reduction in the number of all endoscopies (-33.5%; 18792 in 2020 vs. 28264 in 2019) and anesthesiologist-assisted endoscopies (-15.3%; 2652 in 2020 vs. 3132 in 2019) was reported. A greater reduction in anesthesiologist assistance was observed in government community units (-29.5%) than in academic (-14%) and private community units (-4.6%). Among all units, 85% reported a reduction in anesthesiologist assistance; 65% observed a delay/cancellation of procedures; 59%, a restricted patient selection; 17%, the need to transfer some patients to other hospitals; and 32%, a related worsening of procedure quality. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic compromised the anesthesiologist assistance for endoscopic procedures in Lombardy, which worsened the procedure quality mainly in government community units. The COVID-19 “stress test” suggests a more balanced allocation of anesthesiologic resources in the future.

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