Effect of COVID-19 on Thoracic Oncology Surgery in Spain: A Spanish Thoracic Surgery Society (SECT) Survey

SIMPLE SUMMARY: After the first wave of COVID-19, the Spanish Society of Thoracic Surgeons (SECT) surveyed its members to assess the impact of the pandemic on thoracic oncology surgery in one of the counties most affected by the virus. In May 2020, all SECT members were invited to complete a 40-item, multiple choice questionnaire by e-mail. The response rate was 19.0%. Surgical activity decreased by 95.7%, with 41.5% of centers performing surgery only in oncologic cases and 11.7% only in emergencies. More than half (56%) of multidisciplinary tumour board meetings (56%) were cancelled or conducted online. Standard protocols for early-stage disease were modified in 62.9% of centers. The results of this survey show that the COVID-19 pandemic severely limited thoracic oncology surgery activity. Here we describe and discuss the impact of the pandemic on thoracic surgery in Spain. ABSTRACT: After the first wave of COVID-19, the Spanish Society of Thoracic Surgeons (SECT) surveyed its members to assess the impact of the pandemic on thoracic oncology surgery in Spain. In May 2020, all SECT members were invited to complete an online, 40-item, multiple choice questionnaire. The questionnaire was developed by the SECT Scientific Committee and sent via email. The overall response rate was 19.2%. The respondents answered at least 91.5% of the items, with only one exception (a question about residents). Most respondents (89.3%) worked in public hospitals. The reported impact of the pandemic on routine clinical activity was considered extreme or severe by 75.5% of respondents (25.5% and 50%, respectively). Multidisciplinary tumour boards were held either with fewer members attending or through electronic platforms (44.6% and 35.9%, respectively). Surgical activity decreased by 95.7%, with 41.5% of centers performing surgery only on oncological patients and 11.7% only in emergencies. Nearly 60% of respondents reported modifying standard protocols for early-stage cancer and in the preoperative workup. Most centers (≈80%) reported using full personal protective equipment when operating on COVID-19 positive patients. The COVID-19 pandemic severely affected thoracic oncology surgery in Spain. The lack of common protocols led to a variable care delivery to lung cancer patients.