IMPACT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON GASTROINTESTINAL ENDOSCOPY PROCEDURES

Background- COVID-19, an emerging coronavirus disease is a major health problem. It has markedly affected the routine medical procedures including Gastrointestinal(GI) endoscopies. Inspite of guidelines suggested by various GI societies,for safe GI endoscopy procedures in period of COVID pandemic, most of the endoscopists as well as the patients were hesitant for the endoscopy procedures.We sought to measure the impact of the same on GI endoscopy activity in Pune. Method- A pre-validated questionnaire containing 28 questions was sent across to the GI endoscopy surgeons. Responses were collected to assess the perception of GI endoscopists regarding the practice of endoscopy and the risk of self-contamination during COVID-19 Pandemic. This data was analysed using appropriate statistical applications. Result-51 GI endoscopists from Pune participated in our study out of which 80.3% (41/51) were involved in the management of COVID-19 patients outside the endoscopy department. During the study period, 86.28% (44/51) of endoscopists had to cancel procedures on grounds of COVID19 pandemic.Symptoms compatible with COVID-19 infection were reported by 29.41% (15/51) of the endoscopists out of which 13 (86%) responders had a positive RTPCR test for COVID-19 Conclusion- COVID-19 pandemic has seriously affected GI endoscopy practice. COVID 19 infection rate was also remarkable in endoscopists and endoscopy staff. As the screening of patients with GI problems was hampered, there was definitive delay in diagnosis and treatment. Nevertheless, endoscopy centers should adapt and make changes in their practice to face future pandemic, emphasizing safety of staff without delaying patient care.