The impact of surgical capacity shortages on disease-related morbidity in benign conditions: a comparative cohort study of gallstone and inguinal hernia care during the COVID-19 pandemic

Floris M. Thunnissen; Stijn Bluiminck; Tamar van der Linden; Marloes Berkers; Bas Polle; Otmar Buyne; Femke Atsma; Philip R. de Reuver

doi:10.1186/s12893-026-03583-y

February 12, 2026BMC SurgeryOpen Access

The impact of surgical capacity shortages on disease-related morbidity in benign conditions: a comparative cohort study of gallstone and inguinal hernia care during the COVID-19 pandemic

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Key Points

This research examines how shortages in surgical capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic affect morbidity linked to gallstones and inguinal hernias.
Comparative cohort study design
Analysis focused on gallstone disease and inguinal hernia care
Evaluation of surgical rates and complication outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic
Cholecystectomy rates decreased during the pandemic
Reduced surgical availability led to more complicated gallstone disease
Inguinal hernia outcomes and surgical complication rates remained unchanged

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Implication

Comparative cohort study shows surgical capacity shortages worsen gallstone disease without impacting hernia outcomes, indicating healthcare planning needs.

Abstract

Limited surgical availability during the COVID-19 period was linked to reduced cholecystectomy rates and more complicated gallstone disease, without affecting inguinal hernia outcomes or surgical complication rates.

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Thunnissen et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6992b3319b75e639e9b080d1 https://doi.org/10.1186/s12893-026-03583-y

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The impact of surgical capacity shortages on disease-related morbidity in benign conditions: a comparative cohort study of gallstone and inguinal hernia care during the COVID-19 pandemic

Key Points

Ask about this paper

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

The impact of surgical capacity shortages on disease-related morbidity in benign conditions: a comparative cohort study of gallstone and inguinal hernia care during the COVID-19 pandemic

Key Points

Ask about this paper

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

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