Effects of the covid-19 pandemic on paediatric neurosurgery in turkey

Abstract

Aim: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a catastrophe that has affected millions worldwide and changed the past world order in all respects. In particular, health institutions have been greatly affected as procedural changes were required in all medical specialties, including neurosurgery. In this article, we describe the paediatric neurosurgery patient management practice in our clinic and changes in this procudure in Turkey during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and Methods: Patient movements from November 2020 to January 2021 and November 2021 to January 2022 in the paediatric neurosurgery department of our clinic were retrospectively evaluated. Further, we performed a literature review. Results: From November 2020 to January 2021 and November 2021 to January 2022, 1888 and 2895 patients were examined at the outpatient clinic and 65 and 156 surgeries were performed, respectively. At the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number outpatient visits decreased by 65.2% and that of surgeries decreased by 41.6%. Conclusion: During the pandemic, the first step in surgical procedures is to distinguish between emergency and elective cases. In this regard, shunt dysfunction, acute hydrocephalus, meningomyelocele and tumours that cause clinical impairment are prioritized in paediatric neurosurgery. Although the health care system is under great pressure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it remains committed to prioristisin patients.. In particular, paediatric patients are more more vulnerable in all respects and require greater care, especially in such trying times.