A Cross Sectional analysis on the Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Plastic Surgery among Plastic Surgeons in India

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic reduced the amount of elective procedures dramatically. We, as healthcare workers, are at grave danger of contracting COVID-19. It is consequently critical for plastic surgeons to maintain their safety while attempting to resume routine activities as soon as possible. The goal of this research is to learn more about plastic surgery practises during the COVID-19 pandemic. We plan to serve as many people as possible while conserving medical resources for future crises.

Objective: To study the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on plastic surgery among plastic surgeons in India

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out using a questionnaire. The study population is made up of plastic surgeons, and the study location was chosen from several hospitals in India. The study duration was 6 months. Data was obtained using the snowball sampling method using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire with 27 questions. The data was entered into an excel spreadsheet and analysed with SPSS version 16 software, with Fisher's exact test used for statistical analysis.

Results: A total of 61 participants were included in the study. The majority (60.7%) do not work in COVID-19 care in their hospital but the majority of the participants who took part in this study work in a hospital which is recognised as a COVID-19 centre for treatment (65.6%). 31 participants in their working hospitals there are more than 100 COVID-19 patients are being treated currently in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and covid ward (50.8%) and but majority of the participants do not work in COVID-19 centre (60.7%). The Association between centres having separate wards for COVID and non-COVID patients and whether plastic surgeons working in COVID-19 centre on applying fisher’s exact test the p-value was found to be 0.215. The Association between centres having separate wards for COVID and non-COVID patients and practicing microsurgery during this pandemic on applying Fisher’s exact test the p-value was found to be 0.884. The Association between screening patients for COVID during emergency and group of patients operated without waiting for COVID report during emergency on applying Fisher’s exact test the p-value was found to be 0.408

Conclusion: The current study demonstrates how the COVID-19 epidemic has affected the plastic surgery department and imposed restrictions. Plastic surgeons should be kept up to speed and informed on the latest information and techniques for treating this problem, as well as infection prevention and control. Using online lectures and webinars to continue education for young plastic surgery trainees is beneficial during this time.