Impact of Covid-19 pandemic on the management of gynaecological cancer: a Spanish survey.

Abstract

Abstract Background: During the SARS-cov2 pandemic, to evaluate if the clinical protocols in gynecology oncology assistance were changed and, to assess the perception for the management of these disease in the surgeon. Methods: The data were collected by an anonymous and voluntary survey which was sent via email to professionals dedicated to the field of gynaecological oncology in Spain. Results: A total of 75 professionals completed the online survey, 93.2% reported working in a public hospital and 62.5% in a tertiary level hospital. 97.3% belonged to hospitals treating patients with SARS-CoV2 infection. An 85.1% of respondents showed concern about the SARS-CoV2 pandemic and 52.1% indicated the pandemic influenced the diagnostic and therapeutic quality of oncologic patients. SARS-CoV2 PCR on nasopharyngeal exudate was always performed before surgical interventions by 97.3%, being considered best triage method by 94.4%. An 87.5% reported no change in the type of surgical approach during the pandemic. Limitations in accessing special protective equipment against SARS-CoV2 were found by 62.5%. An impact on the follow-up of patients with gynaecological cancers due to pandemic was referred by a 70.4%. Conclusions: Most of Spanish gynecologist oncologist reported that COVD 19 pandemic has affected their clinical practice. The major measures implemented were an increase of telemedicine, a decrease the visits to high-risk or symptomatic patients and the use of SARS-CoV2 screening prior to surgery.