Impact of COVID-19 on Bariatric Surgery Practices: GENEVA Study Insights
Overview
The COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread suspension of bariatric and metabolic surgery (BMS) services globally, with significant variation in timing and recovery patterns across hospital types and volumes. Analysis of data from 527 surgeons across 439 hospitals in 64 countries revealed distinct peaks in COVID-19 hospital admissions and highlighted differences between private and government-funded practices in pandemic impact and service resumption.
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted elective surgical services worldwide, including bariatric and metabolic surgery, which was largely suspended during the initial phase due to increased perioperative risks associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Obesity, a global pandemic itself, worsened during COVID-19 due to lockdowns and reduced access to weight management services. Understanding how BMS services were affected and recovered during the pandemic is critical for planning future responses to similar global health crises.
Data Highlights
Parameter
Value
Number of surgeons
527
Number of hospitals
439
Countries represented
64
Practices with complete time-point data
276
First COVID-19 case diagnosis in city
Second week of March 2020 (majority)
First COVID-19 hospital admission
Second week of March 2020 (majority)
First peak hospital admissions
09/03/2020–12/05/2020 (70% of practices)
Second peak hospital admissions
12/05/2020–06/07/2020 (25% of practices)
Private practices peak admissions (first peak)
45% during 09/03/20–04/05/20
Private practices peak admissions (second peak)
46% during 11/05/2020–22/06/2020
Key Findings
Bariatric surgery services were almost entirely paused during the initial COVID-19 pandemic phase following international recommendations.
The majority of hospitals reported their first COVID-19 case and admission in the second week of March 2020, with two distinct peaks in hospital admissions observed.
Government and combination-funded hospitals experienced an early peak in COVID-19 admissions, while private hospitals showed relative shielding initially but had a later second peak.
Data from 276 practices with complete timelines showed that 70% had their first peak in admissions between March and May 2020, and 25% had a second peak between May and July 2020.
Hospital volume influenced the timing and pattern of COVID-19 admissions, with larger hospitals grouped due to limited numbers in the highest volume categories.
Clinical Implications
Clinicians and healthcare administrators should recognize the vulnerability of bariatric surgery services to pandemic-related disruptions and plan for rapid recovery strategies. Differentiated impacts on private versus government-funded hospitals suggest tailored approaches may be necessary. Maintaining perioperative COVID-19 safety protocols and monitoring local pandemic trends are essential to safely resume elective bariatric surgeries during ongoing or future outbreaks.
Conclusion
The GENEVA study highlights the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on bariatric surgery services worldwide, demonstrating varied patterns of disruption and recovery influenced by hospital type and volume. These insights can inform strategic planning to ensure continuity and resilience of bariatric surgical care during future health crises.
References
GENEVA Study Publications 2020 -- Bariatric Surgery and COVID-19 Impact
International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorder Recommendations 2020
by Rishi Singhal, Tom Wiggins, Sjaak Pouwels, Yashasvi Rajeev, Brijesh Madhok, Wasim Hanif, Abd A. Tahrani, Yitka Graham, Christian Ludwig, Kamal Mahawar
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