Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on general surgical practice at tertiary care hospital in Pakistan - A single center analysis

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has adversely affected the global healthcare system, especially management of surgical diseases. Most guidelines issued during pandemic recommended deferral elective surgeries to decrease transmission and conserve resources for COVID-19 management, which raised risk complications. This study was conducted evaluate impact on general practice a tertiary facility in Sindh, Pakistan. data were retrospectively retrieved from operation room records most common procedures performed between January December 2020 (i.e. peak restriction period). Monthly frequencies enrolled compared COVID-19-associated incidence, recoveries, mortality Sindh. six suffered reduction 23.9% 2020. However, difference not significant (p >0.05) collectively or individually, except trucut biopsy =0.042). significantly influences frequency procedures, pre-COVID era association only, but individual procedure, only open inguinal hernia repair =0.011) showed difference. In conclusion, there cases with potential Therefore such situations, must be developed system that may decided an basis.