• Yi Wei, Chengjun Yu, Tian Xin Zhao, Tao Lin, H E Dawei, Sheng-de Wu, and Guang-Hui Wei.
• Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Room 806, Kejiao Building (NO.6 Building), No.136, 2nd Zhongshan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing City, 40014, China.
• Ital J Pediatr. 2020 Oct 16; 46 (1): 155.

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to quantify the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on pediatric operations, and establish preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative protocols to improve the pediatric operations.MethodsWe here compare the number of patients who underwent surgery in Chongqing Medical University Affiliated Children's Hospital during the pandemic (January 23-March 11), after the pandemic (March 12-April 30), after our measures were put in place (May 1-May 21), and the equivalent period in 2019.ResultDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, 62.68% fewer patients underwent surgery than during the homologous period of time 1 year earlier (P < 0.01). After the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of orchidopexy cases increased significantly from 175.14 to 504.57 per week (P < 0.01). The large number of patients that accrued in our hospital may have increased the risk of COVID-19 transmission. In response, hospitals and clinics have made protocols and reorganized healthcare facilities (e.g., performing nucleic acid tests (NAT), adding adequate personal protective equipment (PPE)) from May 1, 2020. After the measures were implemented, the number of operations performed remained stable and comparable to the pre-pandemic period. COVID-19 RNA detection was performed in 5104 cases and there were no new confirmed cases in our hospital.ConclusionThis outbreak of COVID-19 has affected not only individuals with COVID-19 but also patients seeking surgical operations. Understanding the present situation helps clinicians provide a high level of treatment to all children.

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