Impact of Covid-19 on Diagnosis and Treatment of Colorectal Carcinoma, A Retrospective Study in Shaikh Zayed Hospital Lahore

Abstract

Objective: To determine the impact of Covid-19 on colorectal cancer patient’s diagnosis and treatment.

Study Design: Cross sectional case study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of General Surgery Unit-II, Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore from January 2020 to January 2021.

Materials and Methods:  Thirty patients presented for the treatment of colorectal cancer were enrolled.

Results: Middle aged population is most affected by this type of cancer with majority of patients being in the age bracket of 30-45 years. 19 of these patients were males while 11 were females with male to female ratio 1.7:1 of them passed away with 3 out of 4 patients dying who has contracted Covid during their treatment here. Covid-19 was a contributing factor in 46% cases of late diagnosis which leads to a higher rate of mortality, and it proved to be 75% fatal in patients who contracted it. The delay in diagnosis and treatment was almost primarily due to patients presenting themselves late for the treatment.

Conclusion: Covid-19 made people hesitant to seek early treatment which led to progression of the colorectal cancer resulting in a higher mortality rate. However no significant difference has been seen overall mortality in both groups those contracted Covidand those did not.