Widespread Postponement of Functional Urology Cases During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Rationale, Potential Pitfalls, and Future Consequences

Abstract : Owing to the recent emergence and rapid spread of SARS coronavirus 2, many national health authorities are recommending cancellation of scheduled elective surgeries and office visits [1–5]. The objectives are to increase the availability of inpatient and intensive care unit beds, to permit internal redeployment of medical staff and nurses, and to avoid overwhelming the health care systems. Another goal is to minimise exposure to COVID-19 by reducing visits to hospital by asking patients to stay at home to flatten the pandemic curve.