IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON THE DIAGNOSIS OF COLORECTAL CANCERS

Aims The objective of this study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the diagnosis of colorectal cancers.

Methods Descriptive and analytical retrospective study during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The main objective was to determine the number of colorectal cancers diagnosed in 2020 during two periods: during confinement (from March 20 to June 30, 2020) and after confinement (from July 1 to December 31, 2020) and compare these results to the number of colorectal cancer diagnosed in 2018 and 2019 during the same periods. The study was performed using time lines as well as the rate of change between 2020, 2019 and 2018.

Results From March 20 to June 30, 2020, 236 colonoscopies and rectosigmoidoscopy were scheduled, 64 of which were performed, either a drop rate of 72.88%. The reduction rate was 72.76% compared to 2019 and 78.52% compared to 2018. Colorectal cancer was detected in 13 patients, either an incidence rate of 20.31% versus 10.21% in 2019 and 8% in 2018. From July 1 to December 31, 2020, 301 colonoscopies and rectosigmoidoscopies were performed, either a reduction rate of 53.62% compared to 2019 and 39.8% compared to 2018. Colorectal cancer was detected in 18 patients either an incidence rate of 5.98% versus 5.23% in 2019 and 6.4% in 2018

Conclusions COVID 19 pandemic has led to a sharp reduction in the number of endoscopic examinations performed without influencing the detection rate of colorectal cancers, thanks to a precise selection of patients and the indications for endoscopic examinations.

Publication History

Article published online:
14 April 2022