Clinical and surgical consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic for patients with pediatric urological problems

Abstract

The COVID-19-pandemic forces hospitals to reorganize into a dual patient flow system. Healthcare professionals are forced to make decisions in patient prioritization throughout specialties. Most pediatric urology pathologies do not require immediate or urgent care, however, delay may compromise future renal function or fertility. Contact with patients and parents, either physical in safe conditions or by (video)telephone must continue.The Paediatric-Urology-Guidelines-panel of the EAU proposes recommendations on prioritization of care. Pediatric-Urology program directors must ensure education, safety and attention for mental health of staff. Upon resumption of care, adequate prioritization must ensure minimal impact on outcome.

Benefits and barriers to pediatric tele-urology during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…The COVID-19 pandemic has had an enormous impact on pediatric urologic practices throughout the world, necessitating postponement of elective surgical procedures and non-urgent patient appointments [1,2]. Emergency surgeries continue to be performed, but questions remain as to what non-urgent surgeries can safely be postponed [2,3]. Similar questions arise for postponement of office visits.…”

A survey and panel discussion of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on paediatric urological productivity, guideline adherence and provider stress

“…The EAU guidelines panel for paediatric urology have provided some guidance with a caveat that future renal function or fertility must always be considered. They recommended regular ongoing contact with children and their carers, and provided some recommendations for how to postpone cases based on a combination of published studies and expert opinion using a Stage 1e4 model [15].…”

Methodology for the Triage of Urologic Surgical Cases in the Setting of a Pandemic

“…Several recent papers provide speci c guidelines on how to triage pending surgical cases (4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10). We developed a unique and independent triage system of guidelines, during a worldwide pandemic in one of the most affected areas, to best suit the needs of Urologic patients at our institution.…”