Impact of coronavirus disease on the management of lower urinary tract symptoms and voiding dysfunction

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Infectious Diseases
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted healthcare systems globally.
• Prioritization of diseases and resource allocation impacted non-emergency medical and surgical treatments.
• Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) and associated voiding dysfunctions required adapted management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).
• To evaluate the changes in the management of LUTS during the pandemic.
• To explore the role of telemedicine in managing LUTS and voiding dysfunction.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing studies on COVID-19 and LUTS.
• Analysis of management strategies employed during the pandemic.
• Evaluation of telemedicine applications for urological conditions.

Main Results:

• A potential relationship exists between COVID-19 infection and the onset or exacerbation of LUTS.
• Patients presenting with LUTS should be considered for COVID-19 evaluation.
• Telemedicine, including virtual consultations and oral medications, effectively managed non-complicated LUTS and voiding dysfunction.
• Minimally invasive procedures were recommended for complicated cases requiring hospitalization.

Conclusions:

• Telemedicine is a viable and recommended approach for managing non-complicated LUTS and voiding dysfunction.
• Healthcare centers should tailor LUTS management based on pandemic severity.
• Development of robust virtual consultation platforms is crucial for sustained patient care.