The COVID-19 Pandemic and its Impact on Plastic Surgery in Europe – An ESPRAS Survey

Abstract

The present article provides an overview of the current and expected effects of plastic surgery in Europe. It presents the experience of departments for plastic and reconstructive surgery, as evaluated by interviews with members of the Executive Committee (ExCo) of the European Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (ESPRAS). The objective of this overview is to summmarise current information in our area of work and to make this accessible to a broad group of readers. As our knowledge is rapidly increasing during the current pandemic, it is evident that we can only provide a snapshot and this will inevitably be incomplete.

Impact of COVID-19 outbreak on plastic surgery: Taken precautions, distribution of surgical procedures and changes in admissions to outpatient clinic

“… 1 Although there are differences between countries, the main measure has been the postponement of health services that are not urgent or mandatory. 2 In addition to reducing viral transmission between patients and healthcare providers, it is aimed at medical resources and healthcare services to focus on the COVID-19 outbreak. Eventually, this has affected plastic surgery practice, and the distribution of the patient population admitted to plastic surgery clinics.…”

“…Eventually, this has affected plastic surgery practice, and the distribution of the patient population admitted to plastic surgery clinics. 2 The present study aims to provide some information about the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on a plastic surgery clinic and patient distribution during this period. Although some of these results and their impact on plastic surgery are predictable, to take adequate measures against the crisis circumstance, it is paramount to demonstrate the population to be served and the healthcare services to be given during an extraordinary situation related to the medical field.…”

Die COVID-19 Pandemie und ihre Folgen für die Plastische Chirurgie und Handchirurgie

“…Durch den erheblichen Rückgang von Operationen durch den Wegfall von Elektivoperationen und den Rückgang von Notfalloperationen ist bei einem derzeit nicht absehbaren Ende der Corona-Krise auch von Auswirkungen auf die Weiterbildung in der Chirurgie insgesamt, aber natürlich auch in den Fachgebieten Plastische Chirurgie sowie in der Zusatzweiterbildung Handchirurgie auszugehen. Hinzu kommt, dass an vielen Kliniken, nicht nur in Deutschland, sondern in ganz Europa [22], Ärzte in der Weiterbildung zum Plastischen Chirurgen derzeit in anderen Bereichen, wie auf COVID-19-Intensivstationen oder Allgemeinstationen zum Einsatz kommen. Die Weiterbildungszeit könnte sich wegen der fehlenden Operationszahlen so um 6, vielleicht sogar um 12 Monate verlängern.…”

EASAPS/ESPRAS Considerations in getting back to work in Plastic Surgery with the COVID-19 Pandemic – A European point of view

“…The first case of COVID-19 was reported in late December 2019 and, on the first days of May 2020, 3 400 000 cases and 240 000 deaths had been reported worldwide [1][2][3]. About 80 % of symptomatic patients develop mild disease.…”