The experience of specialized medical care by vascular surgeons in the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction. The aim of the study was to analyze the provision of specialized medical care by vascular surgeons during the COVID-19 pandemic on the example of the Sverdlovsk Regional Clinical Hospital No. 1. Materials and methods. A retrospective analysis of the activities of vascular surgeons of Sverdlovsk Regional Clinical Hospital No. 1 in 2020 was conducted. In addition, an assessment was given of the organization of measures aimed at reducing nosocomial infection and the spread of a new coronavirus infection. Results. The number of outpatient visits to a vascular surgeon in 2020 decreased by about 10%, and the number of hospitalizations to the vascular surgery department decreased by more than a third compared to previous years. But in 2020, the number of consultations of a vascular surgeon with the use of telemedicine technologies increased almost 2 times. In the vast majority of cases, patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm underwent endovascular prosthetics, which significantly reduced the time spent in the hospital and minimized the risks of nosocomial infection with COVID-19. The preoperative preparation included: computed tomography of the lungs and determination of coronavirus RNA (SARS-CoV-2) by PCR. In addition, on the day of hospitalization, it was mandatory to conduct: thorough collection of an epidemiological history and characteristic complaints, thermometry. Also, in order to prevent the spread of a new coronavirus infection, isolators for temporary stay of patients with suspected COVID-19 were organized in the emergency room and hospital departments. Conclusions. All organizational measures at the Sverdlovsk Regional Clinical Hospital No. 1 have made it possible to minimize the risk of nosocomial infection and the spread of COVID-19, thereby ensuring continuous work on the provision of planned and emergency specialized medical care.