A snapshot of European neurosurgery December 2019 vs. March 2020: just before and during the Covid-19 pandemic

• DOI: 10.1007/s00701-020-04482-8
• Publication Date: 2020-07-08T21:02:53Z
• Authors: T. Mathiesen; M. Arraez; T. Asser; N. Balak; S. Barazi; C. Bernucci; C. Bolger; M. L. D. Broekman; A. K. Demetriades; Z. Feldman; M. M. Fontanella; N. Foroglou; J. Lafuente; A. D. Maier; B. Meyer; M. Niemelä; P. H. Roche; F. Sala; N. Samprón; U. Sandvik; K. Schaller; C. Thome; M. Thys; M. Tisell; P. Vajkoczy; M. Visocchi
• Keywords: Pandemic; Personal Protective Equipment

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2 or Covid-19), which began as an epidemic in China and spread globally a pandemic, has necessitated resource management to meet emergency needs of Covid-19 patients other emergent cases. We have conducted survey analyze caseload measures adapt indications for perception crisis.We constructed questionnaire snapshot neurosurgical activity, resources, during 1 week with usual activity December 2019 SARS-CoV-2 pandemic March 2020. The was sent 34 departments Europe; 25 returned responses within 5 days.We found unexpectedly large differences resources already before the pandemic. Differences were also how much practice changed Neurosurgical beds neuro-intensive care significantly decreased from utilization via less demand brain injuries subarachnoid hemorrhage, postponing surgery surgical method rationing resources. Twenty (80%) reduced extensively, same proportion stated that they no longer able provide according legitimate medical needs.Neurosurgical centers responded swiftly effectively sudden decrease capacity due relocation care. led 80% responding centers. saw relation between ability uphold services. observation extensive available provided opportunity show had been restricted under normal conditions translated may not be acceptable public seemingly affluent European countries.