Iva Botica
Introduction
Two independent events in 2020 affected the organization and efficiency of the ENT Clinic's ambulatory surgery. 11.3.2020. The WHO declared the COVID-19 pandemic and introduced isolation protocols to prevent the spread of infection. 22.3.2020. Zagreb was hit by a devastating earthquake that damaged the buildings of Hospital Centre and led to significant changes in the organization.
Methods
We designed and introduced new protocols for the organization of the ambulatory surgery of the ENT Clinic in reduced capacities with the aim of ensuring safe conditions for patients and employees, reducing the possibility of the spread of SARS CoV infection and avoiding a large number of late cancellation.
Results
The percentage of cancellation was up to 10%, mostly due to the patient's infection with COVID-19. By reorganizing the work and use of OR, in 2021, we managed to equalize the annual number of operations with the pre-pandemic years. The rate of postoperative complications was similar to world centers for ambulatory surgery (within 9%). The number of post-operative hospitalizations in the inpatient was similar as in the pre-pandemic period. During the pandemic, the ambulatory surgery was not the focus of the spread of the COVID-19.
Conclusion
In the current conditions, the goal is to maintain this rhythm of work, there are only few opportunities for improvement.
After returning to normal working conditions, the goal is to transfer more patients from the inpatient unit and introduce some new procedures.
Authors
Iva Botica
University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Matea Veršić
General Hospital Zadar, Zadar, Croatia