METHODS: This retrospective multicentric cohort study was conducted during three Covid-19 pandemic waves. The records were retrieved from the centers' medical record section and the MTP register from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
RESULTS: On an average, 1.1 women/day underwent MTP during covid waves compared to 1.9 women/day during the pre-covid 2019. The first Covid wave's average MTP/day was very low (0.71) compared to the third (2.88) and second wave (1.12), respectively. These differences were statistically significant (p<0.0001). The most common indication for MTP was contraceptive failure 245(50.9%), followed by eugenic/congenital anomalies 88(18.9%). A total of 244 cases (50.6%) reported for MTP ≤ seven weeks and 114(23.6%) presented between 7 and 12 weeks. More than half (54%) of the women underwent surgical methods for abortion as the unavailability of medical abortion (MA) drugs. IUCD and sterilization were severely affected during the first and second Covid waves.
CONCLUSION: Safe abortions are essential services for reproductive-age women. With the uncertainty of future Covid-like an emergency, we should strengthen our telemedicine network so that women can reach out early and MMA can be initiated to reduce the number of surgical abortions and unwanted pregnancies.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study involves a total of 650 patients who were divided into two groups: the intervention group, which received care according to ERAS protocols, and the control group, which received standard postoperative care. Patients aged >18 years and scheduled for elective abdominal surgery were included in the study.
RESULTS: The mean age of patients in ERAS group were 56.4 ± 12.3 years, while in the standard care group 57.1 ± 11.8 years. Out of 650 patients, there were 339 male and 311 female. Patients were selected from different surgery departments. The ERAS group had lower 30-day readmission rates (6.2% vs. 15.4%), quicker mobilization (12.5 vs. 24.8 hours), and faster resumption of oral intake (8.6 vs. 18.2 hours). Pain levels were lower (VAS 3.1 vs. 5.8), and patient satisfaction was higher (89% vs. 74%) in the ERAS group, with all differences being statistically significant.
CONCLUSION: It is concluded that ERAS protocols significantly improve postoperative outcomes, including reducing complications, shortening hospital stays, and lowering readmission rates for patients undergoing elective abdominal surgery.