Effect of COVID-19 on Thoracic Oncology Surgery in Spain: A Spanish Thoracic Surgery Society (SECT) Survey

Abstract

After the first wave of COVID-19, the Spanish Society of Thoracic Surgeons (SECT) surveyed its members to assess the impact of the pandemic on thoracic oncology surgery in Spain. In May 2020, all SECT members were invited to complete an online, 40-item, multiple choice questionnaire. The questionnaire was developed by the SECT Scientific Committee and sent via email. The overall response rate was 19.2%. The respondents answered at least 91.5% of the items, with only one exception (a question about residents). Most respondents (89.3%) worked in public hospitals. The reported impact of the pandemic on routine clinical activity was considered extreme or severe by 75.5% of respondents (25.5% and 50%, respectively). Multidisciplinary tumour boards were held either with fewer members attending or through electronic platforms (44.6% and 35.9%, respectively). Surgical activity decreased by 95.7%, with 41.5% of centers performing surgery only on oncological patients and 11.7% only in emergencies. Nearly 60% of respondents reported modifying standard protocols for early-stage cancer and in the preoperative workup. Most centers (≈80%) reported using full personal protective equipment when operating on COVID-19 positive patients. The COVID-19 pandemic severely affected thoracic oncology surgery in Spain. The lack of common protocols led to a variable care delivery to lung cancer patients.

Report on lung cancer surgery during COVID-19 pandemic at a high volume US institution

“…Our institution benefitted from a novel triaging system that may limit the generalizability of this work, similar to other strategies reported ( 8 , 9 ). The system was developed to ensure timely delivery of care to our patients based on clinical stage, neoadjuvant treatment status, and need for surgery.…”

The Impact of COVID-19 on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Lung Cancer at a Canadian Academic Center: A Retrospective Chart Review

“…The COVID-19 pandemic revealed the needs for more information and guidance for changes in existing practice among lung cancer specialists including thoracic surgeons [ 16 ]. Many institutions have changed the treatment plan in order to minimize the risk of patient exposure, in accordance with recommendations of certain expert groups [ 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ]. The consensus was that select treatment is still possible in a 28-day period.…”

“…According to the Quebec Ministry’s report, very few patients had a cancer surgery within 0–56 days, while a greater proportion of cases were waiting for surgery more than 56 days. Participants of the Spanish Thoracic Society study also reported a decrease in surgical resection and prolonged wait time for surgery with a mean time exciding one month [ 20 ]. The majority of our patients receiving radiation therapy were treated within the recommended wait time.…”

Surgical treatment of lung cancer during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic: lessons learned

“…According to a survey of the Spanish Society of Thoracic Surgery a reduction by 95.7% of surgical procedures was observed (9). These data were confirmed by a survey of the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons (ESTS), that showed a delay of surgical procedures in 89% of the centers.…”