Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on oncological and functional robotic-assisted surgical procedures

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a decrease in surgical activity to avoid nosocomial contamination. Robotic-assisted surgery safety is uncertain, since viral dissemination could be facilitated by gas environment. We assessed the impact and safety of the COVID-19 pandemic on robotic-assisted surgery. Data were collected prospectively during lockdown (March 16th–April 30th 2020) in 10 academic centres with robotic surgical activity and was compared to a reference period of similar length. After surgery, patients with suspected COVID-19 were tested by RT-PCR. During the COVID-19 lockdown we evidenced a 60% decrease in activity and a 49% decrease in oncological procedures. However, the overall proportion of oncological surgeries was significantly higher during the pandemic (p < 0.001). Thirteen (7.2%) patients had suspected COVID-19 contamination, but only three (1.6%) were confirmed by RT-PCR. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a significant decrease in robotic-assisted surgery. Robotic approach was safe with a low rate of postoperative COVID-19 contamination.