Clinical Report: Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Protocols on Italian Surgical Practices
Overview
A national survey of 473 Italian surgeons revealed significant changes in surgical practice due to COVID-19 protocols, including reductions in elective surgeries and shifts in pre-, peri-, and post-operative management. The study highlights both challenges and potential benefits of these adaptations for future surgical care.
Background
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic drastically restructured healthcare systems globally, prioritizing COVID-19 patient care and reducing elective surgical activities. This shift caused delays in diagnosis, treatment, and increased postoperative complications, alongside heightened fear among patients and surgeons. The pandemic accelerated digital transitions and alternative surgical strategies, prompting evaluation of their long-term impact on surgical practice.
Data Highlights
Characteristic
Value
Survey respondents (complete)
473
Mean age (years)
35.3 ± 7.7
Male respondents
73.2% (n=346)
Regional distribution
Central 42.8%, Northwest 26.6%, South 11.4%, Northeast 10.6%, Islands 8.6%
Surgical specialties
General surgery 66.8%, Orthopedic 6.1%, Thoracic 4.7%, Vascular 4.7%, Others (including oculists, gynecologists, dental, urologists, plastic, pediatric, ENT, maxillary, cardiac)
Key Findings
Elective surgical activities were dramatically reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, impacting patient care timelines.
Delays in oncological pathways and increased postoperative morbidity were reported as collateral effects of pandemic protocols.
Pre-, peri-, and post-operative management practices were significantly altered due to infection control measures.
Digital tools and alternative operating strategies were rapidly adopted, accelerating professional development and workflow changes.
Surgeons anticipate some COVID-19-driven adaptations may benefit future surgical practice, though the full impact remains to be clarified.
The survey achieved an 82% completion rate with broad representation across Italian regions and surgical specialties.
Clinical Implications
Clinicians should recognize the lasting influence of COVID-19 protocols on surgical workflows, including the integration of digital tools and modified patient management strategies. Awareness of delayed diagnoses and increased morbidity underscores the need for proactive measures to mitigate pandemic-related collateral damage. Future surgical planning may incorporate beneficial adaptations identified during this period to improve resilience and efficiency.
Conclusion
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has profoundly reshaped surgical practice in Italy, revealing both challenges and opportunities. Continued evaluation of these changes will inform optimized surgical care delivery in the post-pandemic era.
References
SPIGC Survey Study 2022 -- The Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Protocols on Future Surgical Practices
by Leandro Siragusa, Roberta Angelico, Marco Angrisani, Biagio Zampogna, Marco Materazzo, Roberto Sorge, Luca Giordano, Roberto Meniconi, Alessandro Coppola
