The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on emergency general surgery outcomes: a retrospective analysis of seven procedures.

Abstract

Current research has examined emergency general surgery (EGS) rates and COVID-19 complications for some procedures, but none have explored complications for all seven EGS procedures before and during the pandemic. Our study addresses this gap, aiming to understand how pandemic-related challenges impact patient outcomes. Utilizing data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) spanning 2018 to 2021, we conducted a retrospective cohort study with analysis of open and laparoscopic partial colectomy, enterectomy, cholecystectomy, operative management of peptic ulcer disease, adhesiolysis, appendectomy, and laparotomy. Patient outcomes, including 30-day mortality and morbidity, were assessed. The likelihood of complications in EGS has risen compared to pre-COVID levels. Specifically, there is a greater risk of morbidity in open EGS cases intra-COVID compared to laparoscopic, particularly in colectomy and appendectomy procedures. Conversely, laparoscopic procedures have seen a decrease in readmissions, notably in cases involving cholecystectomy and colectomy. The study highlights a rise in complications for EGS intra-COVID, with open procedures demonstrating higher risks than laparoscopic counterparts.