Non-COVID Surgical Emergency During the Nationwide Lockdown due to Corona Pandemic: a Critical Appraisal

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared corona infection as a pandemic in February 2020. A nationwide lockdown was enforced by Indian government on 25 March 2020. Separate health facilities were developed to handle the confirmed and suspected cases of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease). Other than emergency services and care of cancer patients, all remaining healthcare activities were curtailed. Through this study, we intend to assess any change in number and pattern of non-COVID surgical emergencies during the lockdown as well as the interventions required. This was an observational study which included all patients with surgical emergencies who presented during the study period (25 March to 24 April 2020) after two stage screenings for corona infection (group 2). The results obtained from analysis of prospectively collected database were compared with a similar period (group 1) prior to the onset of pandemic in India using appropriate statistical tests. In group 2, an increase (17%) in number of patients was noted. The need of organ support was more than 4 times the usual period. An upsurge in neurosurgical emergencies was noted, though the number of interventions decreased by 40%. A significant decrease in hospital stay was also documented (7 days vs 12 days). The nationwide lockdown led to an increase and change in pattern of surgical emergencies, though the interventions required were less. Effective management entails appropriate preparedness.