Impact of the initial phase of COVID‐19 pandemic on surgical oncology services at a tertiary care center in Eastern India

Abstract

Background The COVID‐19 pandemic has caused a global health emergency and affected the resources in both the public and private health sectors significantly. The present study aims to assess the impact of the pandemic on the services by the department in the first 3 months since the first COVID case in the region. Methods The study period was from 16 March to 15 June 2020. We queried the database for data on site of the tumor, diagnosis, stage, tumor board decisions and planning, surgical procedures, adjuvant treatment, and follow‐up details. The change in tumor board decision and actual treatment taken by the patient were all recorded, taking into consideration the COVID‐19 pandemic. Results Among the 1567 patient contacts, 1306 were out‐patient visits and 261 teleconsultations. Fifty‐four patients underwent surgery from the 87 admitted to the hospital. Ten preoperative patients and two postoperative patients were tested for COVID and reported to be negative. Conclusions The dilemma of providing cancer surgery services to the patients in this pandemic has been global. Strict measures and guidelines can help to overcome the COVID pandemic time, keeping in mind the locoregional logistics.