Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the practice of endocrine surgery

Background: This study investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on endocrine surgeons.Methods: A survey on the professional, educational, and clinical impact was sent to active and corresponding members of the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons (AAES) in September 2020. Chisquare and paired t-test were used for analysis.Results: 77 surgeons responded (14.8 %). All reported suspension of elective surgeries; 37.7 % were reassigned to other duties during this time. The median number of cases backlogged was 30 (IQR 15-50). Most surgeons reported decreased clinical volume (74.6 %). The use of virtual platforms for clinical and educational purposes increased from pre-COVID-19 levels (all p < 0.001). Use of in-office procedures (p < 0.001) and length of observation prior to discharge for thyroid surgery (p < 0.05) decreased.Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic led to suspension of operations and decreased practice volume for endocrine surgeons. Surgeons increased use of virtual platforms, decreased in-office procedures, and decreased duration of observation for thyroid surgery in response.(c) 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.