TP10.1.6Short term outcomes of emergency colorectal cancer resections during COVID-19 pandemic;Experience of a district general hospital

Abstract

Aim Surgical and oncological outcomes of emergency colorectal cancer (CRC) surgeries are poor compared to those of elective resections. SARS-Cov-2 ambience has added an additional risk on these patients during the course of their perioperative journey. The impact of peri-operative SARS-CoV-2 infection on the outcomes of these unique patients is still under scrutiny. We aimed to analyse a cohort of patients that underwent emergency CRC surgeries during pandemic in our setting. Methods We analysed a prospectively maintained database of all patients who underwent emergency CRC surgeries since 11th of March 2020 to 31st of December 2020. Primary outcome measures were Length of stay (LoS) and 90 day mortality. Secondary outcomes were post-operative complications, SARS-CoV-2 infection rates and 30 day readmission rates. Results We performed a total of 18 emergency CRC surgeries (Male: Female 1:1). Median age was 76.5 years (Range 39-89 years). Median LoS was 13 days (Range 5-110 days). 90 day mortality was 17% (3/18) and of the two patients who died (2/3), their cause of death was COVID-19 related. 4 (22%) patients had peri-operative SARS-CoV-2 infections. 30 day re-admission rate was 16% (3/18). 78% (14/18) of the patients had their cancer resected. 61% (11/18) of the procedures were palliative. Conclusions Peri-operative SARS-CoV-2 infection may have add on effect on the morbidity and mortality on patients undergoing emergency CRC surgeries. Data from large scale multicentre cohort studies would provide more insight in to this.