Challenges in the management of paediatric surgical patients in the midst of COVID-19 crisis: Our experience

Introduction: As a result of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, more than 28 million planned surgeries worldwide could be cancelled leading to patients facing long waiting period for their treatment. The outbreak of COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS CoV-2) has spread to more than 220 countries around the world and has almost stopped all routine surgical work. In children, the delay in the management of surgical diseases could result in significant morbidity and mortality. Material and Method: Herein, we describe our experience with the management of Paediatric Surgical patients at our centre which is a tertiary level hospital catering to both COVID-19 positive and Non-COVID patients in all specialties. Observation and Results: During the COVID-19 pandemic, 69.41% fewer paediatric surgical patients underwent surgery relative to the corresponding period 1 year earlier. However, the number of emergency cases performed increased during the COVID pandemic by 62.12%, mostly involving, urological and gastrointestinal emergencies. Conclusion: As we gain experience in effective protocol-based management, which can be revised based on the evolving scientific evidence. It will be appropriate to resume the elective work in selected patients, following the appropriate level of precautions.