National survey on the treatment of cholelitiasis in Spain during the initial period of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract

The extraordinary impact of COVID-19 pandemic on Spanish hospitals has led to a redistribution of resources for the treatment of these patients, with a decreased capacity of care for other common diseases. The aim of the present study is to analyse how this situation has affected the treatment of cholecystitis and cholelythiasis. It is a descriptive national study after online voluntary distribution of a specific questionnaire with Google Drive™ to members of the Spanish Association of Surgeons (AEC). We received 153 answers (one per hospital). Elective cholecystectomies have been cancelled in 96.7% of centres. Conservative treatment for acute cholecystitis has been selected in 90% (previously 18%), and if operated, 95% have been performed laparoscopically. Globally, only 49% perform preoperative diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2, and 58.5% recognize there have been cases confirmed postoperatively after other surgeries, with worse surgical outcomes in 54%. This survey shows that most of the Spanish centers are following the surgical societies suggestions during the pandemic. However, some data requires to be taken into account for the next phase of the pandemic.