Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on changing the ratio of abdominal, vaginal, and laparoscopic hysterectomies

Abstract

Introduction/Objective. Coronavirus pandemic caused most hospitals in the world to suspend regular activities. The aim of this study was to analyze pandemic influence on patients who underwent hysterectomy with classical (abdominal) and minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopic and vaginal approach) at the Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics of the University Medical Centre of Serbia. Methods. There were 2446 hysterectomies for five-year period. The study analyzed number and types of hysterectomies before and during COVID-19 pandemic. Results. The total number of operated patients was most decreased in the first year of the pandemic. During pandemic, the number of vaginal and laparoscopic hysterectomies did not change, whereas there was an increase in the number of abdominal hysterectomies. Statistical significance (p < 0.01) was found between abdominal and vaginal as well as between abdominal and endoscopic hysterectomies. Conclusion. The global pandemic impact on care of symptomatic patients with COVID-19 has led to the redeployment of staff and resources, which has significantly reduced the total number of operations in many hospitals around the world.

Keywords

• covid-19
• gynecological surgery
• laparoscopy