Zeeshan Khan, Badar Uddin Sahito, Muhammad Arif Khan.
Impact of the covid-19 outbreak on surgical management of musculoskeletal oncology patients: a multi-center prospective cohort study.
J Postgrad Med Inst Jan ;35(3):162-8.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak on surgical management of musculoskeletal oncology patients. Methodology: A total of 76 patients were identified and included in this observational study for which data was collected from the databases of Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar & Dr. Ruth KM Pfau Civil Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan from March till August 2020. Patients having malignant bone and soft tissue tumours and locally aggres­sive benign tumours were included in this study. All the patients underwent PCR investigation for SARS-CoV-19 virus pre-operatively and surgeries were performed in PCR negative and asymptomatic PCR positive patients only, with protective equipment. Results: In sample, 8 patients tested positive for Covid-19, out of which 2 were asymptomatic and hence surgery was performed. The remaining 6 were sent for home isolation, of which 2 did not return for surgery. Five patients had ablative surgery due to disruption in medical services whereas the initial plan was for limb salvage surgery. Eight patients developed complications while 2 patients passed away in the post-operative period. None of the patients had any Covid 19 related morbidity or mortality. Conclusion: The study concluded that only a minute number of patients were suffered due to Covid-19 results. Disruption in services due to Covid-19 outbreak has impacted the efficient delivery of health care in various spe­cialties including serious pathologies like musculoskeletal tumours.

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