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. 2021 Aug;190(3):905-911.
doi: 10.1007/s11845-020-02429-7. Epub 2020 Nov 5.

The provision of neuro-oncology and glioma neurosurgery during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: a single national tertiary centre experience

Michael Amoo  1   2 , Jack Horan  3 , Brian Gilmartin  3 , Deirdre Nolan  3 , Paula Corr  3 , Stephen MacNally  3 , Mohammed Ben Husien  3   4 , Mohsen Javadpour  3   4   5
Affiliations

The provision of neuro-oncology and glioma neurosurgery during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: a single national tertiary centre experience

Michael Amoo et al. Ir J Med Sci. 2021 Aug.

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a significant disruption in the provision of healthcare globally. The aim of this study was to assess the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on the provision of neuro-oncology surgery and comparison with a similar 3-month period in 2019.

Methods: Retrospective review of prospectively curated database of patients requiring neuro-oncology surgery at our tertiary referral centre between 1st March 2020 and 31st May 2020. We also analysed data for the same time period (1st March-31st May) in 2019 for comparison. Number and type of tumours operated on, postoperative morbidity and mortality, COVID-19-related complications and delays in treatment were recorded.

Results: During the 3-month periods studied in 2020 and 2019, there were 127 and 139 admissions for neuro-oncological surgery, respectively. Sixty patients underwent surgery for gliomas during the 2020 period vs 56 in the 2019 period. We observed no increase in mean length of time from referral to inter-hospital transfer (mean of 76 h in 2020 vs 93 h in 2019 (p = 0.10)) or in mean length of time from admission to surgery in the acute admissions (2.39 days in 2020 vs 2.89 days in 2019). The postoperative 30-day morbidity and mortality rates were lower in 2020; 8.7% (n = 11) compared with 10.1% (n = 14) in 2019. There was one COVID-19-related death which occurred in a patient with B cell lymphoma with negative preoperative COVID-19 test.

Conclusion: The provision of neuro-oncological surgery can be safely continued during respiratory illness epidemic or pandemic if a rigorous testing and staffing framework is implemented.

Keywords: COVID-19; Glioblastoma; Glioma; Neuro-oncology; Neurosurgery.

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Conflict of interest statement

All authors certify that they have no affiliations with or involvement in any organization or entity with any financial interest (such as honoraria; educational grants; participation in speakers’ bureaus; membership, employment, consultancies, stock ownership or other equity interest; and expert testimony or patent-licencing arrangements) or non-financial interest (such as personal or professional relationships, affiliations, knowledge or beliefs) in the subject matter or materials discussed in this manuscript.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Changes in peri-operative care of patients requiring emergency or scheduled neurosurgery
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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