Impact of Personnel Scarcity on Urolithiasis Treatment: A Comparative Study of the Pre- and Post-Pandemic Eras.

Abstract

Introduction: This research investigates the influence of the medical personnel shortage on the treatment of urolithiasis by comparing the complication rates in patients with urinary stones who undergo ureterorenoscopy with laser lithotripsy before and after the emergence of this unprecedented situation.

Methods: A total of 160 patients undergoing ureterorenoscopy with laser lithotripsy for urolithiasis were retrospectively evaluated, segmented into pre- and post-pandemic cohorts. Complications that occurred preoperatively (during the waiting period for operation), intraoperatively, and postoperatively were documented to compare the complication rates between the two cohorts.

Results: The investigation demonstrated a significant elevation of complications during the preoperative waiting period in the post-pandemic cohort (p < 0.001), concurrent with a substantial increase in the median waiting time from 20 days to 94 days (p < 0.001). No significant differences were present in intra- and postoperative complications between the two cohorts.

Conclusion: In the new era of personnel shortage, increased complication rates during the preoperative waiting time were observed, concomitant with a significant increase in the waiting times for surgery. This novel challenge of increased preoperative morbidity also led to additional resource consumption. It is imperative to adapt the therapeutic landscape of urolithiasis to the new circumstances.