Influence of COVID-19 pandemic on stress levels of urologic patients

Abstract

Introduction Several studies have shown the consequences of COVID-19 pandemic on perceived stress of different populations, but none of them analyzed urological patients who underwent elective surgery. Methods We enrolled prospectively patients who underwent elective surgery between March and October 2020. A survey on COVID-19 and the 4-item Perceived Stress Scale (PPS-4) questionnaire were administered at hospital admission. Demographic and medical history data were also collected. Uni- and multivariate analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of higher PSS-4 values (≥7). Results A total of 200 patients were enrolled. Mean PSS-4 value resulted 6.04. Patients with PSS-4 value ≥7 resulted 43.5% (87/200). In multivariate analysis, PSS-4 value ≥7 was independently associated (p < 0.05) with female gender (OR 6.42), oncological disease (OR 2.87), high (>5 in a range between 0 and 10) fear of intrahospital transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection (OR 4.75), history of bladder instillation (OR 0.26), and current smokers (OR 0.27) Conclusion High PSS-4 values at hospital admission in urologic surgical patients are positively correlated with female gender, fear of intrahospital transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and oncological disease. PSS-4 questionnaire could be useful to select patients for whom a preadmission counselling is necessary to improve the management of their high stress level.

The Fear of Surgery and Coronavirus in Patients Who Will Undergo a Surgical Intervention

“…Furthermore, the perceived stress levels of oncology patients who underwent elective surgery during the pandemic were higher than those without an oncologic disease. 31 Al Rahimi et al 32 found that during the pandemic, fear and health anxiety were more common in patients taking immunosuppressants or those with chronic diseases (Crohn's disease, cardiovascular diseases). Kapıkıran et al 33 revealed that patients' surgical fear varied according to the presence of chronic disease in patients undergoing abdominal surgery.…”

“…A study conducted with patients who underwent elective urological surgery found that those who had fear of Coronavirus infection had higher levels of perceived stress in the preoperative period. 31 Another study shows that fear of viruses can affect the decision-making process of patients and may have negative consequences on patient outcomes. 42 The study results reveal that the fear of surgery is related to the fear of Coronavirus.…”

Complications of extraperitoneal robot-assisted radical prostatectomy in high-risk prostate cancer: A single high-volume center experience

“…PLND was performed in all patients and the extended template was applied when the risk of lymph node involvement was >5% according to the memorial Sloan–Kettering nomogram, and since 2019 when the risk was >7% according to Gandaglia's nomogram ( 5 , 7 ).…”

“…Furthermore, EAU guidelines recommend that extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND) to be performed according to validated nomograms; patients with lymph node involvement risk constitute >5% according to Briganti's or Memorial Sloan Kettering nomogram, or those with risk >7% according to Gandaglia's nomogram shall undergo ePLND. Although ePLND remains the most accurate method for staging PCa confined to the pelvis, its therapeutic benefit is still unclear (5)(6)(7). ePLND provides better pathological staging than standard PLND, facilitating subsequent multimodality treatments, while no difference in oncological outcomes has been demonstrated (4, 8,9).…”

Effects of first year COVID-19 pandemic on urology practice in three major Arab Countries: Sub-Analysis of a survey by Arab association of urology research group

“…Globally, there was relevant mental stress and uncertainty about the COVID-19 pandemic among urologists [32][33][34]. The psychological discomfort and the intense fear of infection were significant burdens [29].…”