TP10.2.12Gallstone disease and COVID-19; A DGH perspective

Aims In March 2020, the UK lockdown led to ‘non-essential’ services, such as the routine management of gallstone disease, being halted to facilitate increased demand on hospitals due to COVID-19. Conservative management was favoured over laparoscopic surgery to reduce the risk from aerosol generation. The aim of this study was to record the incidence and outcomes of patients presenting with gallstone disease during this period. Methods A Retrospective study was carried out looking at two patient groups; Group 1 who presented during the laparoscopic ban and Group 2 who presented afterwards. Results 98 patients presented with gallstone disease during the initial UK lockdown. 25 patients presented acutely in Group 1 and 48 patients presented in Group 2, P < 0.05. 96% of patients in Group 1 were treated conservatively compared to 54% in Group 2, P<0.05. 40% of patients in Group 1 and 7% in Group 2 were readmitted within 60 days of initial presentation, P < 0.05. Conclusion During the initial lockdown less patients presented with gallstone disease. Those who did were managed conservatively and some came to harm. Recurrent readmissions, reduced laparoscopic surgery and cancelled elective operating lists, mean there are likely to be more patients waiting for definitive treatment for their gallstones than ever before. Therefore, it will be important going forward to recognise that ‘non-essential’ services must continue as close to ‘pre-COVID-19 levels’ as possible, in order to avoid the lengthening of waiting lists and the potential associated morbidity.