Prospects for the treatment of patients with a urogynecological profile in conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lifting of restrictive measures

Introduction. The new coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has made the world medicine to completely change the strategy of care for a number of patients. This publication discusses the issues of providing specialized care to urogynecological patients in the situation of the new coronavirus pandemic, as well as the prospects for the planned surgical treatment restoration after the quarantine is lifted. Materials and methods. The COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant limitation of the outpatient and inpatient care availability, which was a good incentive for more active use of remote methods for managing and monitoring patients, including the telemedicine technologies. The authors reviewed available publications at Pubmed and analyzed the experience of providing urogynecological care during COVID-19 pandemic. Results. The vast majority of postoperative online consultations are well received by patients and live up to their expectations. Treatment of uncomplicated acute and recurrent urinary infections is possible without a visit to a hospital. Most planned surgical procedures do not require completion in a short period of time and may well be delayed for several months. To patients applying for the intradetrusor botulinum toxin type A administration or tibial nerve electrical stimulation, a drug therapy might be offered. In all cases, an assessment of the existing side effects risks and the risks of infecting with a new coronavirus infection COVID-19 is necessary. Conclusions. In the conditions of the world changed under the influence of COVID-19 pandemic, a thorough risk assessment is necessary for urogynecological patients - during face-to-face consultations, when planning surgical treatment, including emergency procedures. It is unacceptable to ignore the interests of urogynecological patients under the pretext of fight against the epidemic.