Changes in oncological surgical volume and postoperative survival during the COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective multicenter study in a regional German hospital network - Takeaways - MDSpire
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Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Surgical Volume and Postoperative Survival in Oncology: A Retrospective Study Across a Regional German Hospital Network

  • By

  • Antonia L. Stengler

  • Jörg Kleeff

  • Kerstin Lorenz

  • Nadja Weigert

  • Sandra Adam

  • Simon Rieder

  • Ulrich Ronellenfitsch

  • September 7, 2026

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  • 1

    The study evaluated oncological surgical procedures across pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemic periods in a regional German hospital network.

  • 2

    A total of 2871 oncological surgeries were analyzed, with surgical volume peaking in January 2021 and reaching a low in April 2020.

  • 3

    During the pandemic, UICC stage IV disease increased to 26.8%, compared to 23.9% pre-pandemic and 24.2% post-pandemic.

  • 4

    Kaplan–Meier analysis indicated a trend toward reduced postoperative overall survival during the pandemic period.

  • 5

    After adjusting for various factors, the hazard of death was lower in the pre-pandemic cohort compared to the pandemic cohort.

Original Source(s)

Changes in oncological surgical volume and postoperative survival during the COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective multicenter study in a regional German hospital network

  • by Antonia L. Stengler, Jörg Kleeff, Kerstin Lorenz, Nadja Weigert, Sandra Adam, Simon Rieder, Ulrich Ronellenfitsch

  • September 7, 2026

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