Effect of Corona Pandemic on General Surgery Operations in Mankweng Academic Hospital and Remedy of Impact

Introduction: According to World Health Organization data, the Novel Corona virus pandemic disrupts normal activity throughout the world. Lockdowns are known to reduce virus transmission and are enforced almost everywhere in the world. Lockdown measures were implemented in South Africa on March 26th, 2020. Health care services affected seriously particularly the surgical care. Then, second wave hit of COVID-19 in January 2021, restricted elective operation furthermore. Main aim of the study is to estimate the effect of corona pandemic on the general surgery operations in Mankweng hospital and remedy for impact.

Methods: This is a retrospective cross sectional observational descriptive study. Admission, operation, and outpatient clinic data were collected from the Hospital Information System and theatres during a three-month lockdown period (April-June 2020) and a three-month normal period (April-June 2019).

Results: During the lockdown period of April to June 2020, 291 patients were seen in the Surgical Clinic and 122 in the Breast Oncology Clinic. There were 197 patients admitted, and 120 operations were performed. For comparison, during the months of April to June of 2019; total 442 patients were seen in the Surgical Clinic and 152 in the Breast Oncology Clinic. 500 patients were admitted, and 166 operations were performed.

Conclusion: During corona pandemic elective general surgery operations were reduced noticeably. Restoration of elective operations should start as soon as Corona virus pandemic slows down and extra theatre list should be continued during weekends to reduce the backlog at least for next few months and increase the outreach surgical operations in district and regional hospital.