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2021-07-09

Insights into the management of anorectal disease in the 2019 disease era

Waseem Amjad Albany Medical Center

Et al.

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Repository Citation Amjad W, Haider R, Malik A, Qureshi W. (2021). Insights into the management of anorectal disease in the coronavirus 2019 disease era. COVID-19 Publications by UMMS Authors. https://doi.org/10.1177/ 17562848211028117. Retrieved from https://escholarship.umassmed.edu/covid19/285

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License This material is brought to you by eScholarship@UMMS. It has been accepted for inclusion in COVID-19 Publications by UMMS Authors by an authorized administrator of eScholarship@UMMS. For more information, please contact [email protected]. TAG0010.1177/17562848211028117Therapeutic Advances in GastroenterologyW Amjad, R Haider research-article202110281172021 Advances and Future Perspectives in Colorectal Special Collection

Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology Review

Ther Adv Gastroenterol Insights into the management of anorectal 2021, Vol. 14: 1–13

https://doi.org/10.1177/17562848211028117DOI: 10.1177/ disease in the coronavirus 2019 disease era https://doi.org/10.1177/1756284821102811717562848211028117 © The Author(s), 2021. Article reuse guidelines: Waseem Amjad, Rabbia Haider, Adnan Malik and Waqas T. Qureshi sagepub.com/journals- permissions

Abstract: Coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) has created major impacts on public health. The virus has plagued a large population requiring hospitalization and resource utilization. Knowledge about the COVID-19 virus continues to grow. It can commonly present with gastrointestinal symptoms; initially, this was considered an atypical presentation, which led to delays in care. The pandemic has posed serious threats to the care of anorectal diseases. Urgent have been delayed, and the care of cancer patients and cancer screenings disrupted. This had added to patient discomfort and the adverse outcomes on healthcare will continue into the future. The better availability of personal protective equipment to providers and standard checklist protocols in operating rooms can help minimize healthcare-related spread of the virus. Telehealth, outpatient procedures, and biochemical tumor marker tests can help with mitigation of anorectal-disease-related problems. There is limited literature about the clinical management of anorectal diseases during the pandemic. We performed a detailed literature review to guide clinicians around management options for anorectal disease patients. We also highlighted the health challenges seen during the pandemic.

Keywords: anorectal disease, Coronavirus disease 2019, telehealth

Received: 1 April 2021; revised manuscript accepted: 8 June 2021.

Introduction affects primarily respiratory systems, Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused cardiovascular and gastrointestinal (GI) system by a single-stranded enveloped RNA virus called involvement has been reported in the recent lit- SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory erature.4–6 COVID-19 infection has not only

Syndrome Coronavirus 2), originated in Wuhan impacted public health and economics but also Correspondence to: province in China in December 2019. COVID- the management of acute and chronic medical Waqas Qureshi Section of Cardiology 19 later progressed to a global pandemic that conditions. Elective ambulatory visits and surger- in Division of Internal until now has claimed more than 3.0 million ies have been cancelled to mitigate the risk of Medicine, University of 1 Massachusetts School of deaths and cases continue to grow. High infec- infection transmission and to enable healthcare Medicine, Worcester, MA tivity and transmission through asymptomatic systems to facilitate large volumes of COVID-19 01655, USA Waqas.Qureshi@ patients have led to rapid transmission across infected patients. Telehealth has played impor- umassmed.edu 2 7 geographical borders. COVID-19 has impacted tant role in this situation, providing convenience, Waseem Amjad healthcare and socioeconomics worldwide. patient and provider satisfaction, and decreased Internal Medicine, Albany Medical Center, Albany, 8 Investigations on transmission, clinical presenta- healthcare costs. There are lack of standardized NY, USA tion, treatment, and vaccination have revealed guidelines to manage acute and chronic medical Rabbia Haider new aspects of this viral syndrome. COVID-19 is conditions and confusion exists in the medical Internal Medicine, Nishter Medical University, Multan, commonly transmitted as droplet infection and community. Punjab, Pakistan sometimes as airborne. There are sporadic cases Adnan Malik Internal Medicine, Loyola where fecal–oral transmission was considered as Anorectal diseases are common and can impact University School of the mode of transmission.3 Although COVID-19 the quality of life. The disease spectrum ranges Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA

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Creative Commons Non Commercial CC BY-NC: This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) which permits non-commercial use, reproduction and distribution of the work without further permission provided the original work is attributed as specified on the SAGE and Open Access pages (https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/open-access-at-sage). Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology 14

Figure 1. Lower GI presentation with possible mechanism. Created by biorender.com ACE2, angiotensin converting enzyme receptor 2; GI, gastrointestinal; SARS-CoV-2, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; TMPRS2, transmembrane serine protease 2.

from benign conditions such as to COVID-19’. All types of articles including malignant conditions such as .9 A National reviews, case studies, observational studies and Health Service study has predicted poor out- correspondences were considered. In addition, comes of in future because of we searched the references of the selected articles delays in detection and treatment of these cancers to find related articles that were not identified by during the pandemic.10 Information on manage- the electronic searches. Pertinent studies were ment of anorectal disease during this pandemic is initially searched based on the title and the scarce. In this review article, we explore the abstract, then full text was read to verify the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the man- relevance. agement of anorectal disease.

Lower GI manifestations of COVID-19 Literature search COVID-19 commonly presents with GI symp- We searched PubMed, Medline, and Google toms. The SARS-CoV-2 virus binds to angioten- scholar from 1 December 2019 to 31 March 2021 sin converting enzyme receptor 2 (ACE-2) to with following search terms ‘COVID-19 infec- enter host cells. The ACE-2 receptor is widely tions and lower manifesta- expressed in the human body including in alveo- tions’, ‘mechanism of gastrointestinal presentation lar type 2 cells, kidneys, adipose tissue, colon, and in COVID-19’, ‘fecal excretion of COVID-19’, the central nervous system. In fact, the ACE-2 ‘fecal transmission of COVID-19’, ‘anorectal receptor is highly prevalent in the colon. Another emergencies, rectal varices, perianal abscess, host cell protein transmembrane serine protease 2 obstructive anorectal cancer, acute (TMPRSS2) assists in trafficking of the SARS- or strangulation and COVID-19’, CoV2 virus to host cells. This protein is found in ‘benign anorectal disease, hemorrhoids, anal fis- the and colon (Figure 1).11,12 In an in vitro sure, , anal and COVID-19’, study of human gut enterocytes, there was evi- ‘anorectal cancers management, anorectal cancer dence of invasion and proliferation in the entero- and COVID-19’, ‘telehealth during cytes.13 Fortunately, the virus is deactivated at coronavirus pandemic and anorectal diseases’, gastric pH; however, patients on proton pump ‘COVID-19 vaccination and management of inhibitors have been found to be at increased risk anorectal diseases’ and ‘surgical practice during of SARS-CoV2 infection.14 This relationship was

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not seen with H2-blockers. Rather, famotidine additionally with RT-PCR in order to prevent was shown to improve the clinical outcomes in transmission with feces.33 one study.15 The common lower GI symptoms observed in observational studies included abdominal pain and .16 Diarrhea as a pre- Inflammatory bowel disease senting symptom for COVID-19 infection is Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) observed in 2–50% patients whereas abdominal who are taking treatment are considered immu- pain is observed in 4–26%.4,17–21 These symptoms nocompromised patients. This could be a con- are non-specific and could be side effects of the cern for developing severe COVID-19 infection empirical treatments used for COVID-19 in these patients. Active IBD, advanced age, and infection.22 comorbidities are associated with poor out- comes.34 As the screening for colon One study had shown that patients with GI symp- cancer screening in IBD patients is delayed dur- toms had a longer time from disease onset to the ing COVID-19 pandemic, alternative tests as bio- hospital admission as compared with patients markers, imaging, and symptoms assessment without GI symptoms (16 versus 11.6 days).21 should be done.35 This was reproduced in another multicenter study (9 versus 7.3 days).23 This could be because The American Gastroenterology Association rec- patients with GI symptoms were diagnosed late ommends that patients who test negative for because of atypical presentation. GI symptoms SARS-CoV-2 can continue the appropriate treat- should increase the index of suspicion to test for ments; those patients with positive tests should COVID-19 infection. A few studies have also consider holding thiopurines, methotrexate, and shown increased disease severity and poor disease tofacitinib, tapering systemic steroids or switch to course associated with GI symptoms.20,21,24 The budesonide, and delaying biologics by 2 weeks. mortality of patients with GI symptoms is similar Amino salicylates and rectal therapies can be con- to those without GI symptoms (0.4% versus 2.1%, tinued. Treatment decisions can be altered based p = 0.15).25 The literature has shown sporadic on risk and benefits assessments.36 IBD patients cases of acute , colonic , .26,27 with anorectal involvement should also follow the same guidelines.

Fecal transmission The symptomatic anal fistula in Crohn’s disease Fecal excretion of the SARS-CoV-2 and its ability requires early intervention as it can progress to sep- to stay viable can potentially cause fecal–oral sis. Examination under anesthesia is considered as transmission.28 A meta-analysis of 17 studies the standard treatment. Early initiation of anti- including Asian and North American data showed tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is recom- a 43% virus detection rate in fecal specimens.29 mended.37 This procedure is traditionally This rate was higher in patients with GI symp- performed in the operating theater, which may be toms and severe disease.30 difficult to schedule during the pandemic. A small Stool samples can stay positive for the virus when study has shown promising outcomes with outpa- it is not detectable in the respiratory tract.30,31 tient exploration with combined with One meta-analysis with several observational probing, seton placement, and abscess drainage.38 studies showed that 48% of patients had positive stool PCR, and the majority of these stayed posi- tive after the respiratory tract PCR (RT-PCR) Hemorrhoids and was negative.21 The presence of the virus in stool The COVID-19 has resulted in delay for elective explains the GI involvement and the risk of fecal– procedures.39 This can impact proctological man- oral transmission persist for several days even agement of advanced hemorrhoids. Telemedicine after clinical recovery.21 In some countries out- can be a possible alternative in this situation. The side the United States (US), patients were kept in traditional risk factors for the hemorrhoids hospital until their stool samples became nega- include , obesity, and sedentary life- tive. It took an average of 11.2 days to become style. These risk factors have increased during the stool RNA negative after a negative respiratory COVID-19 pandemic.40–42 This will add to the tract sample.32 There is a recommendation to physical and psychological problems of this screen stool donors for symptoms and travel and population.

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Hemorrhoid is a benign condition and mostly responses.49 There is limited data regarding man- improves with conservative management. Some agement of anal warts during the COVID-19 era. cases require surgical intervention. If the A delay in surgical treatment is expected. The is delayed in these cases, it can lead to progression authors suggest that topical medical treatments, of disease and complications such as bleeding and such as trichloroacetic acid, imiquimod, podo- pain. Traditionally, hemorrhoids are treated with phyllotoxin, 5-flurouracil (5-FU), and interferon, office procedures including rubber band ligation, should be considered for condyloma acuminata if sclerotherapy, and infrared coagulation, and surgical treatment is not available. Although these operating room procedures such as hemorrhoid- agents are associated with high recurrence and ectomy and stapled hemorrhoidopexy for local irritation, they show decent clearance rates.48 advanced hemorrhoids. The emergent hemor- The medical management of warts does not allow rhoidectomy is recommended for cases with acute tissue diagnosis. In cases with initial lesion, intol- thrombosis and strangulation.43 There are no erance to medical treatment and giant lesion sur- disease-specific guidelines for the management of gical treatments should be considered. Surgical hemorrhoids. All office and elective procedures resection should be considered in patients with should be rescheduled during the pandemic. extensive dysplastic lesions and high grade squa- mous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL). Individuals A recent study has shown that patients with a with low grade squamous intraepithelial lesions diagnosis of chronic hemorrhoids before the pan- (LSIL) require 4–6 months follow up to monitor demic had worsening of symptoms during the disease progression. Topical agents such as pandemic as compared with recently diagnosed imiquimod and 5-FU may show benefit in LSIL cases. Patients were reasonably satisfied with the or as an adjunct treatment for HSIL.48,50,51 The implementation of telemedicine. Lifestyle implementation of preventive measures such as changes, including physical activity and weight vaccination in young adults (9–26 years) and use loss, have led to improvement in hemorrhoid of condoms during sexual activity can reduce dis- severity score.44 ease burden during the COVID-19 era.

Preventive measures can reduce the incidence of hemorrhoids and hence reduce the burden on the Anal fistula health system. Patients should be advised to Cryptoglandular infection, trauma, radiation, and increase physical activity, increase fluid intake, IBD can lead to epithelialized tract from the anal consume a high fiber diet, and avoid straining; canal to perianal skin. It is considered complex actively treating constipation will also help in pre- fistula if the area affected is more than 30% of the venting hemorrhoids.45 external sphincter (transsphincteric), extras- phincteric or suprasphincteric.52 The standard management is surgical treatment, including fis- Anorectal warts tulotomy with or without seton placement, fibrin Human virus (HPV) is the most com- plug, ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract, and mon sexually transmitted infection in US, with endorectal advancement flap.53 A delay in the estimate of 5.5 million cases per year.46 This can treatment of anal fistula is expected during the infect the anus due to anal receptive intercourse COVID-19 pandemic and will increase, to the or direct spread from the genital area.47 Clinically, discomfort of patients. Outpatient exploration HPV can present as warts (condyloma acumi- with proctoscopy, and seton placement, are nata) and/or dysplastic lesions (anal intraepithe- options based on a previous study in Crohn’s dis- lial neoplasia). The dysplastic lesions are ease patients.38 precursors of the invasive squamous cell cancer.48 An immunocompromised state is established for progression of HPV infection. The lit- Rectal cancer erature shows an interesting case of a patient with COVID-19 has disrupted the management of a history of renal transplant who demonstrated rectal cancers.54 An earlier study from Wuhan spontaneous regression of warts during COVID- had shown that cancer patients had higher sus- 19 infection. This can be explained by manipula- ceptibility to succumb to COVID-19 infection. tion of medications or This can be explained due to immunocompro- induction of innate and adaptive immune mised state of these patients.55 This led to

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Figure 2. Rectal cancer recommendations during the coronavirus disease 2019. Modified from Marijnen et al.60 CRT, chemoradiation therapy; SCRT, short course ; TME, total mesorectal excision.

hospital-based policies and fear among patient due to cancellation of elective surgeries, total neo- populations, which caused a reduction in treat- adjuvant chemo and radiation therapy (CRT) has ment and follow-up visits. Consultation rates shown safety data.60,61 The utilization of short from primary providers dropped to 30% during course radiation therapy was increased in early the pandemic, and most consultations were con- stage and locally advanced rectal cancer.54 Short ducted virtually. In some cases, patients chose to course radiation therapy can delay the progres- avoid visiting healthcare facilities and preferred to sion of the disease and serve as a bridge to sur- monitor symptoms at home. The delay in the sur- gery. As a previous trial had shown non inferiority gery for early-stage rectal cancer will lead to pro- of intermittent for advanced rectal gression to advanced cancer.56 COVID-19 cancer as compared with continuous chemother- infection in the cancer patient is potentially fatal. apy, this can lead to reduced chemotherapy time, Cancer care and mitigation of the pandemic can fewer side effects, and better quality of life.62 This impact on each other and a balance between can- approach can be used during the COVID-19 pan- cer management delay and COVID-19 exposure demic for metastatic rectal cancer. prevention is required.57 The American College of Surgeons recommends Total meso-rectal excision without chemoradia- up to 3 months deferral of elective surgeries for tion is considered as the standard of care treat- benign conditions such as small asymptomatic ment for early-stage rectal cancer. The excision is rectal and malignant polyp. Urgent combined with radiation or chemoradiation ther- intervention is indicated for cancers requiring apy if complete excision is not certain (intermedi- multiple transfusions, near obstructions, cancers ate stage cancer). The National Institute for which do not respond to neoadjuvant treatments, Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline cancers with concerns of sepsis and local perfora- does not recommend radiation therapy for local- tion, and early cancers where adjuvant therapy ized early-stage cancer.58 The role of adjuvant has a limited role.63 These patients should chemotherapy for localized rectal cancer is lim- undergo appropriate surgery as soon as is feasible, ited.59 The European Society for Medical likely within days. Recent data have shown (ESMO) has recommended the man- increased emergency presentation of colorectal agement of rectal cancer during the COVID-19 cancer patients with bleeding, obstruction, peri- pandemic. According to this expert consensus tonitis, and colon perforation, which reflects the statement, neoadjuvant short- or long-course delay in urgent surgeries.64 The survey from Italy radiation therapy for locally advanced but opera- demonstrated that non-traumatic abdominal ble cancers is recommended during the pandemic emergencies were delayed.65 The increase in (Figure 2).60 In cases where surgeries are delayed emergency cases and complicated cases is

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expected to increase because of the delay in delay in after positive FIT or urgent and elective surgeries during the COVID- guaiac testing.69 A delay in of 19 pandemic. >9 months after a positive FIT test increased the risk of colorectal cancer and advanced stage can- cer.70 Patients with a positive FIT test should be Anal cancer prioritized for colonoscopy. The standard treatment for anal cancer is chemo- radiation therapy and this has proven curative potential. Management of these patients during Anorectal emergencies the COVID-19 pandemic stays the same and The American College of Surgeons recognize CRT is recommended.61 The mitomycin and acute hemorrhoidal thrombosis/necrosis, peri- chemotherapy (MMC) can cause anal/perirectal abscess, and Fournier gangrene hematologic toxicities (HT) including neutrope- (perineal necrotizing fasciitis) as surgical emer- nia and leukopenia. Cisplatin-based therapy has gencies during the COVID-19 pandemic. The fewer incidences of HT. Cisplatin-based therapy conditions should be managed with emergency should be considered during the COVID-19 pan- surgery as there is no substitute treatment, and demic to limit the immunocompromised state in any delay in the procedure will increase hospital these patients.66 stay, morbidity, and mortality. If there are limited resources in hospital during the pandemic, then these cases should be transferred early to facilities Disruption of colorectal cancer screening with the capacity to perform emergency surgery.71 tests Other notable emergent conditions are bleeding In the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, rectal varices, foreign body, and rectal obstruc- public health and professional organizations rec- tion with cancers.72 The management of these ommended postponing non-urgent procedures, conditions should not deviate from standard including cancer screening.67 Colorectal cancer treatments. screening is delayed and, in some cases, not per- formed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Urgent hemorrhoidectomy is recommended for decreased screening tests for rectal cancers during acute hemorrhoid thrombosis and strangula- COVID-19 raises an important concern. These tion.73 The perianal/perirectal abscess should be patients will present late or with emergency pres- drained in the operating theater if the abscess is entation, causing increased burden on the health deep. If the operating room is unavailable then system. It is challenging to prioritize the control outpatient percutaneous drainage should be con- of future risks by implementing screening tests sidered.71 Early surgical debridement with intra- over the current pandemic. venous hydration and antibiotics are the standard treatment for perineal necrotizing fasciitis. The National Cancer Institute Population-based Diversion is required in few cases to Research to Optimize the Screening Process avoid fecal contamination.74 (PROSPR) consortium recommend to imple- ment fecal immunohistochemical testing to limit Rectal varices can sometimes present with mas- exposure to COVID-19, screening populations at sive lower GI bleeding, requiring emergent vol- high cancer risk, with infection control by pre- ume resuscitation, correction of coagulopathy, procedure COVID-19 testing (subjective and and blood transfusion. The endoscopic manage- objective) and customization of screening based ment of rectal varices can be challenging, and is on geographic virus prevalence.68 usually done with band ligation or sclerotherapy with high recurrence rate. The trans-jugular The future of colorectal cancer screening during intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPSS) proce- the pandemic will likely be a two-step procedure, dure is considered in severe cases to decrease por- noninvasive or biochemical testing with either tal pressure.72,75,76 fecal immunohistochemical testing (FIT) or multitarget DNA/FIT test followed by colonos- The rectal foreign body is also seen as a traumatic copy if initial tests are positive. FIT is commonly rectal emergency. It can be caused due to acci- utilized as a remote test to screen patients for dent, sexual pleasure, and/or assault. Diagnosis colorectal cancers. Many patients have had a can be difficult as sometimes patients do not

6 journals.sagepub.com/home/tag W Amjad, R Haider et al. provide the complete history. It can complicate to continue uninterrupted emergency and oncologic rectal perforation, infection, pain, and bleeding. surgeries. The ProctoLock Survey Study showed Rectal examination and radiology testing can be high prevalence of positive SARS-CoV-2 in pro- helpful. The foreign body should be removed viders (11%) and relatively low availability of per- trans-anally, endoscopically, or surgically with sonal protective equipment (PPE) (71%), ranging goal of minimizing trauma.72,77 from <33% in Africa and >80% in North America). A good number of providers use PPE for COVID-19 positive patients, whereas only The rise of telehealth 53% used PPE for COVID-19 negative patients. The major preventive strategy to prevent COVID- Surgical teams had reduced the workforce and 19 transmission is social distancing.78 Telehealth elective procedures had been cancelled. There is defined as communication between patients has been a large reduction in non-oncological and providers using telecommunication modali- procedures, emergency surgeries, and new cancer ties including telephone and video calls.78 diagnosis. Among non-oncological procedures, Suspected or confirmed cases of viral infection 42% were performed in the office setting. The can be assessed remotely, thus minimizing disease study also shows fear among the population, with spread. This technology also serves as convenient 36% patients having refused surgeries.84 access to healthcare for patients who are not infected but are at high risk of developing the Extensive departmental and scheduling changes infection (advanced age and history of comorbid have taken place. Restrictions were implemented conditions).79 Telehealth can decrease cost, travel for all visits to admitted patients, and families time, and missing days due to appoint- were updated about the patient’s conditions via ments and switching providers. Hence, a recent phone calls. Separate operating room and recov- survey demonstrated high acceptance and satis- ery areas were specified for suspected or con- faction among patients.80 Established patients firmed COVID-19 patients. Telephone or online with limited disease are suitable for this technol- approaches were utilized for surgical follow up. ogy. Telehealth can be used to manage patients All patients were screened using symptoms ques- who had cancelled elective procedures with alter- tionnaire and were give a PCR test to rule out native non-surgical options. This forum can be COVID-19. Necessary operating room apparatus utilized as an opportunity to educate patients included plastic wrappings and single-use equip- about the current pandemic and the preventive ment, and proper disposal of PPE after surgery on measures. Providers who are quarantined can COVID-19 patient was practiced.85,86 also utilize telehealth to continue the care of their patients.81 Patients who have possible exposure or Current PPE recommendations for the operating confirmed cases of COVID-19 should be offered room staff include contact, droplet, and airborne a telehealth option. This limits disease spread and precautions. Standard surgical PPE includes delays the management of medical issues. googles, N95 masks, powered-air-purifying-respi- rators (PAPR), face shield, double gloves, protec- Acute care surgery availability via telehealth can tive gowns, and shoe cover.86 Although the reduce unnecessary emergency or ambulatory utilization of standard PPE will ensure better out- clinic visits and non-complicated colorectal prob- comes and improve confidence of surgeons due to lems can be managed non-operatively. Although lower chances of viral transmission, it may cause laparoscopic surgery is the treatment of choice for discomfort for the surgeon. An international sur- acute , cases of mild appendicitis can vey demonstrated that the PPE use can increase be managed non-operatively with antibiotics fatigue, communication problems, and reduce vis- when surgery cannot be performed during ibility.87 A checklist protocol in operating rooms COVID. The non-operative management of and training sessions for adequate doffing and emergency cases can reduce the healthcare donning techniques are recommended to avoid burden.82,83 viral self-contamination and transmission.88

Theoretically, laparoscopic surgery has a higher Surgical practice during the COVID-19 era potential for spread of the virus via aerosol expo- In this health crisis, the worldwide surgical com- sure due to surgical smoke or artificial pneumop- munity has had to make necessary changes to eritoneum. Maneuvers such as desufflation can

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Figure 3. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and anorectal disease management.

be utilized to limit the spread of virus. In patients non-surgical treatments or endoscopy should with along with colorectal pathology, undergo surgery within 2 weeks.90 exploratory could be the preferred treatment with less risk of virus transmission.89 Since the risk of infectivity is not clearly defined, COVID-19 vaccination the European societies recommend standard lap- COVID-19 vaccination has been introduced aroscopic surgeries with caution. The benefits of recently based on promising data. The notable this minimally invasive surgery can balance the technologies utilized are mRNA) viral vectors, risk of virus spread.82 inactivated virus, and protein subunits. Both mRNA , including BNT162b2 and Surgical procedures for anorectal cancers can be mRNA-1273, have shown up to 95% efficacy prioritized following the available data on colo- with minimal adverse effects. This has raised rectal surgeries. Patients with early stage and less enthusiasm among the public and medical com- aggressive lesions can be managed pharmacologi- munity to supply globally.91,92 The vacci- cally or with radiation therapy, and surgery can be nation program is actively vaccinating vulnerable deferred for over 2 months. Those with moderate populations, including healthcare providers, priority cases and patients with cancers that can patients with high work-related risk, the elderly, be cured only with surgery should undergo treat- and patients with comorbid conditions. There is ment within 2 months. The patients with cancer- no established test to determine immunogenicity related emergencies including bleeding and after the infection and vaccine. The Centers for obstruction that are not manageable with Disease Control (CDC) recommends a wait time

8 journals.sagepub.com/home/tag W Amjad, R Haider et al. of at least 90 days after recent infection before large multicenter studies, which will guide receiving the vaccine.93 A recent study has shown patients and clinicians to optimize care. that the vaccine has potential beneficial effects on the infection rate, hospitalizations, and deaths.94 Contributions Anorectal disease does not pose any contraindica- WQ contributed to the manuscript concept. WA, tion to the COVID-19 vaccine. Patients with can- RH, and WQ drafted the article. WA and AM cer should also receive this vaccine as these are a revised the manuscript. WQ did the critical vulnerable population. There are some safety review. All authors approved the final version. concerns, especially in patients on cancer treat- ments, but the benefits from the vaccine outweigh Conflict of interest statement these risks. Most cancer treatments will not pre- The authors declare that there is no conflict of vent immunogenicity.95 The vaccination program interest. should extend to close contacts of high-risk populations. Funding The authors received no financial support for the The authors expect that the exceptional efforts research, authorship, and/or publication of this towards vaccination will lower the burden on article. health care. Fear among patient populations seek- ing medical attention will be lowered. This will ORCID iD lead to normalization of routine clinical practice Waqas T. Qureshi https://orcid.org/0000-0002- and elective procedures. Non-pharmacological 5189-4417 preventive measures including facial masks, hand sanitization, and social distancing should be con- tinued during this period because there is no data showing that vaccination reduces transmission References from asymptomatic individuals. 1. World Health Organization. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, https://www.who.int/ In summary, coronavirus disease 2019 had emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019 impacted health care and disrupted the manage- (accessed 17 April 2021). ment of all acute and chronic diseases (Figure 3). 2. Wu Z and McGoogan JM. Characteristics of and Although COVID-19 presents predominantly important lessons from the coronavirus disease with respiratory symptoms, many patients pre- 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in China: summary sent with pre-existing anorectal disease or develop of a report of 72 314 cases from the Chinese new lower GI symptoms. Patients with GI mani- Center for Disease Control and Prevention. festations have delayed diagnosis and potentially JAMA 2020; 323: 1239–1242. severe disease. The literature about the manage- 3. Meyerowitz EA, Richterman A, Gandhi RT, et al. ment of anorectal diseases during the pandemic is Transmission of SARS-CoV-2: a review of viral, limited. Telemedicine can play vital role in edu- host, and environmental factors. Ann Intern Med cating patients about risk factor mitigation and 2021; 174: 69–79. provide information about warning signs. 4. Chen N, Zhou M, Dong X, et al. Epidemiological Improvement in PPE availability, maneuvers to and clinical characteristics of 99 cases of 2019 remove surgical smoke during laparoscopic pro- novel coronavirus pneumonia in Wuhan, China: a cedures, and noninvasive management of mild descriptive study. Lancet (London, England) 2020; emergency conditions, can all help limit the virus 395: 507–513. spread. Emergency anorectal conditions, includ- ing acute hemorrhoidal thrombosis, with or with- 5. Huang C, Wang Y, Li X, et al. Clinical features of patients infected with 2019 novel coronavirus out prolapse, and bleeding in Wuhan, China. Lancet (London, England) rectal varices, foreign body, and obstructed can- 2020; 395: 497–506. cers require prompt surgery or transfer to a facil- ity with appropriate capacity. Cancer management 6. Gu J, Gong E, Zhang B, et al. Multiple organ is delayed during the pandemic, which will infection and the pathogenesis of SARS. J Exp increase disease burden and patient discomfort in Med 2005; 202: 415–424. future. Anorectal cancer screening and treatment 7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. recommendations need to be re-defined based on Using telehealth to expand access to essential

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