Impact of the Pandemic on Urological Practices
The COVID-19 pandemic represents a global emergency with a major impact on healthcare systems worldwide. In this context, Urology has been significantly affected . Reorganization of elective urologic surgical activity and a slowdown of common elective urology procedures such as vasectomy and elective circumcision. Several cross-sectional surveys, investigating the impact of COVID-19 on urological services worldwide, confirmed that the pandemic has imposed great challenges to urology healthcare providers. In fact, a significant cut-down in urology clinics, outpatient procedures, major surgeries, and emergent urological care has been reported.
Although soon after the spread of the pandemic, several National and International Urological Associations have provided timely recommendations to guide the prioritization of clinical and surgical activities during such a challenging context, much confusion and uncertainty has remained in the practice of urology. . For instance surgeries such as penile implant and surgical treatment of urinary incontinence has been delayed. Elective kidney stone procedures are delayed and some patients remain in pain taking medications. Many hospitals did not allow elective urologic procedures for months in the United States.
Although it may lead to potential clinical and medicolegal implications, the possibility that patients may want their elective surgery to be postponed, due to the fear of contracting COVID-19 during the hospitalization, was not formally taken into account. Some urologic cancer patients had delayed treatment because of COVID-19
From the patient’s standpoint, the choice to undergo surgery during such a complex period may be particularly challenging, considering the competing risks of delaying the intervention (with possible consequences on delayed cancer treatment ) and contracting a potentially life-threatening disease.
Angelo E. Gousse, MD
Clinical Professor of Urology – Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine – FIU
Voluntary Professor of Urology – University of Miami , Miller School of Medicine
Director of Fellowship:Female Urology,Voiding Dysfunction, Reconstruction
Memorial Hospital Miramar, South Broward Hospital District
1951 SW 172 Avenue, Suite 305,
Miramar, FL, 33029
Tel: 954-362-2720 Fax: 954-362-2761
www.bladder-health.net
