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Background The COVID-19 pandemic has affected healthcare systems worldwide, leading to prioritizing resources for the diagnosis and management of COVID-19 cases. As a result, providing medical care to patients with health conditions, including pediatric surgeries, has been significantly affected. Objectives The objective of this research is to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence of pediatric surgeries in a referral hospital in Al-Madina, KSA. Method An observational retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in a referral hospital in the Al-Madina region of Saudi Arabia. We retrospectively reviewed all pediatric surgical records that met the inclusion criteria from March 2018 to March 2022. Results Out of the patients who underwent surgeries (5704), it was indicated that the number of patients who underwent surgeries during the COVID-19 pandemic (42.7%) was less than those who underwent surgeries before the COVID-19 outbreak (57.6%). The number of patients presented to the OPD significantly increased during the COVID-19 period compared to before COVID-19. The number of emergency cases before and during COVID-19 was similar. The period between diagnosis and surgical intervention for emergency cases was significantly shortened during the COVID-19 pandemic. The hospital stay period significantly decreased during the pandemic. Conclusion The study found that the pandemic has caused a considerable decline in the number of pediatric surgery cases compared to the previous years. The longer observation period of this study likely allowed for a better understanding of the pandemic situation, which contributes to strengthening our understanding of the pandemic's impact on healthcare services.
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The microbial ecosystem of humans is an integral part of human health and disease. A significant percentage of tumors worldwide are thought to be microbially induced. The relationship between cancer and microbes is complex. In this article review, we aim to give an overview of human microbiota and its role in carcinogenesis, emphasize the relation between microbiota and cancer immunity, and highlight its role in the future of cancer therapy. The term microbiota refers to the collection of microorganisms that are located in an individual, whereas the total genome of these microorganisms is referred to as the microbiome. The microbiota in humans has many physiological functions. The microbiota within the gut lumen has a profound effect on the local and systemic immune system. The immune system can change the gut microbiota. Microbiota may induce carcinogenesis by several mechanisms. It also affects tumor progression. Thus, microbiota modulation may aid in the prevention and treatment of cancer. Intentionally introducing microorganisms into the oncological patient is assumed to mobilize the immune system to become able to, at least, limit the development of cancer. Microbes are used as vectors which are carriers of particular antineoplastic agents that reduce the side effects of chemotherapy. Inflammation and tumor microenvironment play an essential role in promoting chemo-resistance. There is now considerable evidence, both in humans as well as in laboratory animals, that the commensal microbiota has important effects on carcinogenesis, tumor growth, and therapy response.