EP.WE.93An Overview of the Effect of COVID-19 on the General Surgical Take: Before, During and After the First UK National Lockdown

Abstract

AimsEmergency general surgical (EGS) services have faced new challenges during the coronavirus pandemic. This study compared all EGS presentations before, during and after the first UK national lockdown between March and May 2020.MethodsAll EGS patients presenting to our centre in four separate weeks were included. These weeks represented ‘pre-lockdown’, ‘early lockdown’, ‘established lockdown’ and ‘post lockdown’ groups. Demographic data, treatment, admission and outcomes were collected for all patients and compared between groups.Results178 patients accounted for 214 EGS attendances over four weeks. Attendances decreased from 74 pre-lockdown, to 43 in early lockdown, 32 in late lockdown and rose to 65 in the post lockdown group. Significantly more patients received repeat outpatient reviews in the lockdown groups (p = 0.002). Length of stay was significantly reduced in established lockdown (0.5 days vs. 2 days pre-lockdown, p = 0.042). There was a trend towards conservative management of surgical pathology in the lockdown groups (65% vs 47% pre and post-lockdown, p = 0.10). No very elderly or frail EGS patients presented during the lockdown study period. There was no evidence of delay to presentation.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 pandemic and UK Coronavirus lockdown resulted in a large decrease in EGS admissions and alteration in characteristics of these admissions. New national guidance during the pandemic advocated ambulatory and conservative management of surgical conditions where possible and is reflected in our cohort. These changes reverted almost back to pre-lockdown state the week following the easing of the first UK national lockdown.