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Article

Surgical Challenges During the COVID-19 Crisis: A Comparative Study of Inguinal Hernia Treatment in Romania

by
Catalin Vladut Ionut Feier
1,2,
Calin Muntean
3,
Vasile Gaborean
4,5,*,
Razvan Constantin Vonica
6,
Alaviana Monique Faur
7,
Marius-Sorin Murariu
1,2 and
Sorin Olariu
1,2
1
Abdominal Surgery and Phlebology Research Center, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
2
First Surgery Clinic, “Pius Brinzeu” Clinical Emergency Hospital, 300723 Timisoara, Romania
3
Medical Informatics and Biostatistics, Department III-Functional Sciences, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timişoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
4
Thoracic Surgery Research Center, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timişoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
5
Department of Surgical Semiology, Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timişoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
6
Preclinical Department, Discipline of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu, 550169 Sibiu, Romania
7
Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timişoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Medicina 2024, 60(11), 1825; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60111825
Submission received: 17 October 2024 / Revised: 29 October 2024 / Accepted: 1 November 2024 / Published: 6 November 2024
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact on Human Health, Lifestyle and Quality of Care after COVID-19)

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted healthcare systems worldwide, leading to the postponement of elective surgeries, including inguinal hernia repair (IHR), as healthcare resources prioritized critical care. This study aims to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on the incidence and outcomes of IHR procedures. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on 604 patients who underwent IHR over six years, spanning pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemic periods. Data on patient demographics, type of surgical procedure (elective or emergency), use of mesh, surgical duration, hospitalization period, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed across the three time frames. Results: Patient age remained consistent across the three periods, but a significant increase in female patients was observed during and after the pandemic (p < 0.001). Elective IHR surgeries significantly decreased during the pandemic (p < 0.001), paralleled by an increase in emergency cases (p = 0.004). In the post-pandemic period, elective surgeries rebounded, while emergency interventions declined (21.9% vs. 10.3%). Mesh repair usage increased notably in the post-pandemic phase (p < 0.001). Although surgeries took longer during the pandemic (p < 0.001), both total and postoperative hospital stays were reduced during and after the pandemic (p < 0.001). Minimal postoperative complications were reported throughout, with only one mortality during the pandemic. Conclusions: This study highlights the need for robust healthcare strategies to maintain elective surgical care during global crises, as delays in IHR may elevate risks for complications like hernia incarceration and strangulation.
Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic; inguinal hernia repair; elective surgery; hospitalization COVID-19 pandemic; inguinal hernia repair; elective surgery; hospitalization

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Feier, C.V.I.; Muntean, C.; Gaborean, V.; Vonica, R.C.; Faur, A.M.; Murariu, M.-S.; Olariu, S. Surgical Challenges During the COVID-19 Crisis: A Comparative Study of Inguinal Hernia Treatment in Romania. Medicina 2024, 60, 1825. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60111825

AMA Style

Feier CVI, Muntean C, Gaborean V, Vonica RC, Faur AM, Murariu M-S, Olariu S. Surgical Challenges During the COVID-19 Crisis: A Comparative Study of Inguinal Hernia Treatment in Romania. Medicina. 2024; 60(11):1825. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60111825

Chicago/Turabian Style

Feier, Catalin Vladut Ionut, Calin Muntean, Vasile Gaborean, Razvan Constantin Vonica, Alaviana Monique Faur, Marius-Sorin Murariu, and Sorin Olariu. 2024. "Surgical Challenges During the COVID-19 Crisis: A Comparative Study of Inguinal Hernia Treatment in Romania" Medicina 60, no. 11: 1825. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60111825

APA Style

Feier, C. V. I., Muntean, C., Gaborean, V., Vonica, R. C., Faur, A. M., Murariu, M.-S., & Olariu, S. (2024). Surgical Challenges During the COVID-19 Crisis: A Comparative Study of Inguinal Hernia Treatment in Romania. Medicina, 60(11), 1825. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60111825

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