Delivery of hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic: an European-African Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association (E-AHPBA) cross-sectional survey

Anita Balakrishnan*, Mickael Lesurtel, Ajith K. Siriwardena, Stefan Heinrich, Alejandro Serrablo, Marc G. H. Besselink, Mert Erkan, Bodil Andersson, Wojciech G. Polak, Andrea Laurenzi, Stefan W. M. Olde Damink, Frederik Berrevoet, Isabella Frigerio, Jose M. Ramia, Thomas K. Gallagher, Susanne Warner, Shailesh V. Shrikhande, Rene Adam, Martin D. Smith, Kevin C. ConlonEuropean-African Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Background: The extent of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting response has varied globally. The European and African Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association (E-AHPBA), the premier representative body for practicing HPB surgeons in Europe and Africa, conducted this survey to assess the impact of COVID-19 on HPB surgery.

Methods: An online survey was disseminated to all E-AHPBA members to assess the effects of the pandemic on unit capacity, management of HPB cancers, use of COVID-19 screening and other aspects of service delivery.

Results: Overall, 145 (25%) members responded. Most units, particularly in COVID-high countries (>100,000 cases) reported insufficient critical care capacity and reduced HPB operating sessions compared to COVID-low countries. Delayed access to cancer surgery necessitated alternatives including increased neoadjuvant chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer and colorectal liver metastases, and locoregional treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma. Other aspects of service delivery including COVID-19 screening and personal protective equipment varied between units and countries.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound adverse impact on the delivery of HPB cancer care across the continents of Europe and Africa. The findings illustrate the need for safe resumption of cancer surgery in a "new" normal world with screening of patients and staff for COVID-19.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1128-1134
Number of pages7
JournalHPB
Volume22
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2020

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