Methodology for triage of urologic surgical cases in the setting of a pandemic

Abstract Background The first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 forced our healthcare system Bronx, New York to cancel nearly all scheduled surgeries. We developed a framework for prioritizing postponed urologic surgeries that was utilized once cases were permitted be rescheduled. As many parts country experience and second waves this pandemic, may serve as resource other centers experiencing restrictions on scheduling elective Methods started peaked York, almost cancelled. Each Urologist asked rank his/her cancelled by priority (Level 1—least urgent; Level 2—moderately 3—most urgent). A committee Urologists assigned subclass 3 2 (3a—least 3b—moderately 3c—most 2a—lower priority; 2b—higher priority). then reviewed urgency derive final ranking. Results total 478 canceled categorized: 250 1, 130 2, 98 (73 adult, 25 pediatric). 3c involved renal cell carcinoma ≥ T2b, high-grade bladder urothelial carcinoma, adrenal mass/cancer > 6 cm, testicular cancer requiring radical orchiectomy, penile cancer. 3b T2a masses nephrectomy, while high-risk prostate symptomatic nephrolithiasis classified 3a. included retroperitoneal lymph node dissection complicated benign prostatic hyperplasia. Surgeries reconstruction, non-complicated nephrolithiasis, erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence considered 1. Conclusions Our disease-specific approach surgical rescheduling offers appropriate guidance triaging can provide institutions surge different regions with growing wave.