Clearing Ortho Surgery Backlog Could Take a Year or More

The British Journal of Surgery published a recent study by CovidSurg Collaborative on elective surgery cancellation rates due to COVID-19.

The authors estimated that 12 weeks of COVID-19 disruption caused a significant backlog of delayed elective surgeries. In their view, if countries increase baseline surgical volume by 20%, it would take countries at least 43 weeks to clear the surgery backlog. If countries increase baseline surgical volume by only 10%, the number of weeks to clear the backlog doubles to a minimum of 86 weeks.

Beginning in March, the spread of COVID-19 caused countries across the globe to cancel or delay elective surgeries. Limiting elective surgeries protected patients, preserved medical supplies and space for COVID-19 patients, and allowed medical teams to offer support to other critical areas.

CovidSurg Collaborative authors estimated 12-week surgery cancellation rates across countries based on data from 359 hospitals in 71 countries. The study estimated that “28,404,603 operations would be cancelled or postponed globally during the peak 12 weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic.” Of those, an estimated 6,295,040 were orthopedic procedures.

In North America, the study estimated that 4,518,618 elective operations would be cancelled or postponed during the peak 12 weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 1,196,372 of those were estimated to be orthopedic procedures.

Not all procedures can be rescheduled. Notably, the study assumed that cancelled cesarean sections would not need to be rescheduled after the pandemic.

The study also noted that a quick return to high-volume surgery may not be possible for all facilities. Operating rooms may need to take additional precautions. Additionally, there may be other unforeseen delays in returning to normal operating procedure.

Giana Davidson, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.S., worked with CovidSurg Collaborative. Dr. Davidson said, “These delays may significantly impact patients’ quality of life, the ability to do their work or care for their loved ones.”

Dr. Davidson continued, “As we start the process of reopening, it’s critical that we also strive for equitable access to surgical care across the communities we serve.”