key: cord-0904926-jo8bd1bw authors: Gallo, G.; Sturiale, A.; De Simone, V.; Di Tanna, G. L.; Bianco, F.; Perinotti, R.; Giani, I.; Grossi, U. title: The impact of COVID-19 on proctologic practice in Italy date: 2020-08-10 journal: Tech Coloproctol DOI: 10.1007/s10151-020-02319-1 sha: 7e86a1516ee3a73c5659d3930f2f4b92d0d4d074 doc_id: 904926 cord_uid: jo8bd1bw nan Islands (Fig. 1 ). Most respondents were men (91%), with a mean age of 57 years, mainly working in non-academic teaching hospitals (48%), where a dedicated proctologist was available (79%). Compared to sexually transmitted disease (STD), dedicated pathways for pelvic floor disorders (PFD) were more frequently available (39% and 65%, respectively). More than a half of respondents amended the surgical informed consent for both COVID-19 positive (N = 34 [60%]) and negative patients (N = 32 [56%]), by mentioning the higher risks of in-hospital infection and morbidity. UCP representatives from the Northern regions were more likely to report that personal protective equipment (PPE) was readily available. Twenty-three (40%) respondents declared they had experience with patients refusing surgery due to the fear of getting infected. Twenty-five (44%) respondents had yet to reschedule patients waiting for surgery or outpatient visit at the time of the survey completion. Interestingly, 16% of the respondents had history of COVID-19 positivity, with a peak of 26% for representatives from the South and the Islands. Various reasons may explain this figure such as working in hospitals involved at some degree in the care of COVID + patients (81%), the creation of external facilities for proctologic surgery in 74% of cases, which highlights ongoing proctologic practice in the middle of the outbreak. Of note, 16% of the respondents from the South denied the regular use of PPE in theatre with COVID-19 + patients. A further important threat to healthcare safety is that only two thirds of respondents routinely tested patients for COVID-19 prior to surgery. The sense of fear and uncertainty perceived during the pandemic was the reason for refusing surgery according to 40% of respondents. Our survey showed that the COVID-19 pandemic has put a strain on our national health system: the report from UCP representatives shows that recognized centers of excellence have also fallen victim to the total or near total deadlock of activity. We hope that the events taking place serve as a lesson for the future so that specific pathways of care can be put Elective surgery cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic: global predictive modelling to inform surgical recovery plans Coronavirus pandemic and colorectal surgery: practical advice based on the Italian experience Proctology in the COVID-19 era: handle with care Italian society of colorectal surgery recommendations for good clinical practice in colorectal surgery during the novel coronavirus pandemic Deadlock of proctologic practice in Italy during COVID-19 pandemic: a national report from ProctoLock 2020 Improving the quality of web surveys: the checklist for reporting results of internet E-surveys (CHERRIES)