Melbourne colorectal collaboration: a multicentre review of the impact of COVID‐19 on colorectal cancer in Melbourne, Australia. Issue 5 (8th April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chen, Michelle Zhiyun; Tay, Yeng Kwang; Teoh, Wiliam MK; Kong, Joseph CH; Carne, Peter; D'Souza, Basil; Chandra, Raaj; Bui, Andrew
• Other Names: Gu Cody investigator.; Auckloo Azhar investigator.; Pearce Rebecca investigator.; Mckenna Hannah investigator.; Li Stephanie Ying investigator.; Lowe Ryan William investigator.; Li Jack investigator.; Duong David investigator.; Chen Sally Jiasi investigator.; Zafir Shoa investigator.; Ng Matthew investigator.; Tan Nicole investigator.; Maida Jack investigator.; Chong Kit investigator.; Gao Maggie investigator.; You Daniel investigator.; Zhang Kathy investigator.; Tiang Thomas investigator.; Jayapadman Vivek investigator.; Chatsionok Timothy Gregory investigator.; Zula David investigator.; Liew Amos Nepacina investigator.; Yoong Kevin Kah Wai investigator.; Madhavan Ashwin investigator.; Lim Bryan investigator.; Younan Caroline investigator.; Whalen Emily investigator.; Miller Hailey investigator.; Zhang Jason investigator.; Wang Jessica investigator.; Williams Kyle investigator.; Burmi Meghna investigator.; Ra Morika investigator.; Tsui Lap Wah investigator.; Tee Qiao Wen investigator.; Li Sandra investigator.; Chen Sheree investigator.; Cameron Stephanie investigator.; Chen Vicky Wei‐Ching investigator.; Su Virginia investigator.; Jain Anshini investigator.; Hui Ally investigator.; Manivannan Aishwarya investigator.; Lew Chen investigator.; Patel Diya investigator.; Wang Erica investigator.; Chan Ivan investigator.; Bedi Jasman investigator.; Widjaja Jocelyn investigator.; Kaufman Matthew investigator.; Maxwell Molly investigator.; Yao Michelle investigator.; Zhang Melanie investigator.; Newman Natasha investigator.; Pathirana Poojani investigator.; Dennaoui Rami investigator.; Goh Sarah investigator.; Surendran Sarita investigator.; Mendis Shanaya investigator.; Gupta Shivangi investigator.; Poulos Zoe investigator.; Smith Baxter investigator.; Basam Aya investigator.; Elliott Jordi investigator.; Mosharaf Zahin investigator.; Nguyen Shani investigator.; Lam Ching Clarise investigator.; Song Zhuoning investigator.; Alam Faizah investigator.; Tu Qiaoran investigator.; Le Stella investigator.; Rattan Arsheeya investigator.; Aldous Emma investigator.; Wang Bill investigator.; Li Jiting investigator.; Chaurasia Pranjal investigator.; Snooks Lachlan investigator.;
• Is Part Of: ANZ journal of surgery. Volume 92:Issue 5(2022)
• Page Start: 1110
• Page End: 1116
• Publication Date: 2022-04-08
• Subjects: colorectal cancer -- COVID‐19; Surgery -- Periodicals; 617.005
• DOI: 10.1111/ans.17603
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1445-1433

Abstract

Abstract: Background: As coronavirus (COVID‐19) cases continue to rise, healthcare workers have been working overtime to ensure that all patients receive care in a timely manner. Our study aims to identify the impact and outcomes of COVID‐19 on colorectal cancers presentations across the five major colorectal units in Melbourne, Australia. Methods: This is a retrospective study from a prospectively collected database from the binational colorectal cancer audit (BCCA) registry, as well as inpatient records. All patients with colorectal cancer between Pre‐COVID‐19 period (1 July 2018–2030 June 2019) and COVID‐19 period (1 July 2020–2030 June 2021) were compared. Benign pathology and other cancer types were excluded. Results: A total of 1609 patients were included in the study (700 Pre‐COVID‐19 period, 906 COVID‐19 period). During COVID‐19 period, there was a higher proportion of emergency surgery (28.1% vs. 19.8%; P < 0.001), a higher nodal ( P = 0.024) and metastatic stage ( P = 0.018) at presentation, but no increase in the rate of return to operating theatres ( P = 0.240), inpatient death ( P = 0.019) or 30‐day readmission ( P = 0.000). There was also no difference in the post‐operative surgical complications ( P = 0.118). Utility of neoadjuvant therapy did not increase during the pandemic ( P = 0.613). Conclusion: The heightened measures in the healthcare system ensured CRC patients still received their surgery in a timely fashion. With the current rise in the new strain of COVID‐19 (Omicron), we have to continue to come up with new strategies to provide timely access to CRC care. Abstract : Colorectal cancer before and during COVID‐19 pandemic.