The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the primary definitive management of ureteric stones

Abstract

Objective: To assess the management pathways of ureteric stones within our department and any impact on this as a result of the pandemic. Patients and methods: Retrospective data were collected at two different time points defined as ‘pre-COVID-19’, during April and May 2019, and ‘peri-COVID-19’, during April and May 2020 of all patients with ureteric stones. Results: Similar patient numbers presented with ureteric stones pre-COVID-19 (63) and during the pandemic (75). Pre-COVID-19, 31 patients were admitted, of which 48% had primary ureteroscopy (URS) or percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). The average time to theatre was 1.2 days. During the pandemic, there were 34 admissions with 56% of these patients receiving primary URS/PCNL. The average time to theatre was 1.5 days. Of the patients referred to the virtual stone clinic, pre-COVID-19, 38% were listed for urgent-elective surgery which was performed at an average of 62 days. During the pandemic, 49% were listed for surgery, waiting 144 days for their procedure. Conclusion: Patients who underwent primary surgery during their first admission had their definitive treatment quicker during the pandemic. However, patients listed for elective procedures waited longer in the peri-COVID-19 period. Level of evidence: (Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine: Levels of Evidence (March 2009)): 2c