Impact of COVID-19 quarantine on advanced hemorrhoidal disease and the role of telemedicine in patient management

Abstract

The aims of this population study were to assess the lockdown impact on patients waiting for hemorrhoidal surgery, and the role of telemedicine in patient management. All patients on our waiting list for hemorrhoidal surgery were considered. Eligible patients were contacted by phone. Rørvik score was evaluated and compared to the baseline score. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. A numeric rating scale was used to estimate patient satisfaction regarding telemedicine. One-hundred and ten patients were found to be eligible. Finally, 103 patients were included in the study of whom 16 (15.3%) were already considered for priority surgery. Patients waiting for a longer time showed significantly worse scores (p < 0.001). After telemedicine evaluation the priority waiting list increased by 43.8% (plus 23 patients). Weight loss of at least 3 kg and physical activity were found to be protective factors (p = 0.02 and p = 0.002 respectively). A high grade of satisfaction (almost 80%) towards telemedicine was registered. COVID-19-related delays are linked to a deterioration of hemorrhoidal symptoms and patients’ well-being. Weight and lifestyle changes were deemed key factors in determining disease severity. Telemedicine was a valuable tool to evaluate and re-evaluate patients waiting for hemorrhoidal surgery and was considered satisfactory by patients.