The impact of SARS-CoV-2 restrictions on medical care in Plastic Surgery

Abstract

Background To manage the expected COVID-19 patient load major restrictions in in- and outpatient treatment had to be made. Depending on local conditions and order supply differences SARS-CoV-2 restrictions had a massive impact on medical care. To show the impact of plastic surgery on emergency surgery during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the amount of surgical emergencies in a single center plastic surgery division were evaluated. Method The number of plastic surgery cases in a university hospital was evaluated during 16.03.2020 to 27.04.2020 and compared with previous years. Results Due to cancelling of elective surgery the number of cases dropped to 57,3 % of the caseload of previous years. There was no change in ratio of emergency (2020: 56,4 %; 2017 2019: 54,9 %) and urgent (2020: 44,6 %; 2017 2019: 45 %) surgery. No changes in regard to the etiology of trauma cause nor insurance status (occupational insurance/health insurance) were noted. Conclusion Based on the data of this evaluation there is a clear relevance of Plastic Surgery in the setting of general medical care. Even during the pandemic crises a sufficient plastic surgery service is mandatory in a tertiary referral center.