Complexity of Basal Cell Carcinoma Surgery Between 2017 and 2022: The Impact of the COVID‐19 Pandemic

ABSTRACT Background Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most prevalent malignant tumour among Caucasians, characterised by its low metastatic potential but significant morbidity due to local tissue destruction. The COVID‐19 pandemic, declared by the WHO on 11 March 2020, led to various lockdowns and changes in patient behaviour, including reduced consultations with physicians. Objectives This study aims to assess whether surgeries for BCC decreased in Vienna, Austria, during the pandemic and to evaluate the impact of any treatment delays on tumour and surgery complexity notable so far. Methods We conducted a retrospective single‐centre observational study at Klinik Hietzing, Vienna, reviewing patients who underwent BCC surgery from March to May during the years 2017–2022. Patients were divided into pre‐COVID (2017–2019) and during‐COVID (2020–2022) groups. Data from 727 patients were analysed, including metrics such as the number of surgeries, patient demographics, comorbidities, and the distance from home to hospital. Surgery complexity was assessed using a predefined scale based on six parameters, yielding a score from 0 to 6 points. Statistical analyses, including t ‐tests and ANOVA, were performed to compare differences between the groups. Results A significant decrease of 32.5% ( n = 141) in BCC surgeries was observed since the pandemic ( p < 0.001). The mean age of patients increased slightly from 73.9 years (median 76) pre‐COVID to 75.6 years (median 79) during‐COVID ( p = 0.341). The number of comorbidities increased significantly ( p = 0.042). However, there was no significant change in surgery complexity ( p = 0.317), although a slight shift towards higher complexity was noted. Conclusions The COVID‐19 pandemic led to a notable reduction in BCC surgeries at our centre. Despite the delays, there was no significant increase in surgery complexity notable yet, likely due to the slow‐growing nature of BCC. Nonetheless, the increase in comorbidities and the prolonged reduction in surgical procedures highlight the need for ongoing vigilance to prevent future morbidity increases.