Risk factors for necrotic cholecystitis during the COVID-19 pandemic: the ChoCO-WSES prospective collaborative...

Area of Science:

• Surgery
• Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic led to decreased surgical admissions and emergency procedures.
• A rise in severe septic surgical diseases, including necrotic cholecystitis, was observed.
• Delays in diagnosis and intervention, coupled with limited resources, likely contributed to increased disease severity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the incidence and management of acute cholecystitis during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To assess the impact of the pandemic on surgical patient care for acute cholecystitis.
• To identify risk factors associated with necrotic cholecystitis in COVID-19 patients.

Main Methods:

• Prospective observational international collaborative study design.
• Enrollment of eligible patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Data collection via an online case report form, adhering to ethical standards.

Main Results:

• The ChoCO-W study is positioned as the largest prospective investigation of acute cholecystitis during the early COVID-19 pandemic.
• The study specifically addresses the lack of research on COVID-19 positive patients with acute cholecystitis.

Conclusions:

• The ChoCO-W study aims to be the most extensive prospective assessment of acute cholecystitis management during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The research seeks to identify risk factors for necrotic cholecystitis to enhance the care of high-risk individuals.