key: cord-1040614-xbol32lq
authors: Telich-Tarriba, Jose E.; Navarro-Barquin, David F.
title: Plastic surgery emergency surgical care during the COVID-19 lockdown at a Mexico City academic center
date: 2020-09-20
journal: J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg
DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2020.08.141
sha: 562b4afa7e0f649fe19f08779f6cd5b67eb7b324
doc_id: 1040614
cord_uid: xbol32lq

nan

Emergency surgical productivity showed a 65% reduction during the COVID-19 lockdown.

When compared to other series, such as the one by Wang. et al. 2 , we had an even deeper decrease in productivity (53% vs 65%). This reduction in the need for surgical attention can be partially explained by the overall diminished economical activity, leading to less work-related accidents, as well as a reduction in outdoor physical activities and motor vehicle accidents. Another factor could be that the largest public hospitals in Mexico City were turned into COVID-19 attention centers, driving people with emergency needs away from them.

These results further complicate the scenario for practicing plastic surgeons and residents in training, adding to the decrease in elective surgery and non-invasive procedures. It has been shown that a decline in elective and emergent surgical exposure negatively impacts resident's abilities and confidence 3 ; meanwhile, such a severe reduction in trauma call damages one of the last sources of income for practicing surgeons 4 .

During this difficult time education programs should promote learning by adopting new telecommunication and simulation technologies. As reopening is implemented the need for emergency surgical procedures will surely rise, and plastic surgeons in Mexico and abroad should be ready to meet the demand, while following national and international safety guidelines 5 .

Plastic Surgery in the Age of Coronavirus

Our Experiences with Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Procedures during Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic

Overcoming the Learning Curve: A Curriculum-Based Model for Teaching Zone II Flexor Tendon Repairs

Protecting Your Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Practice in a Pandemic: Five Ways to Mitigate This Unique Environment

Elective Surgery during SARS-Cov-2/COVID-19 Pandemic: Safety Protocols with Literature Review

Table 1. Summarization of Emergency Cases in PRS Department during the COVID-19

Funding: None Ethical Approval: Ethical Approval was given by our institution's research comitee