Background
Delays in reaching surgery and 1me to treatment interval (TTI) for diges1ve cancers can significantly affect overall survival. The principal aim of this study was to analyze the 1me span from referral to diagnosis and then to the treatment of the disease. Secondary, possible underlying factors were iden1fied.
Methodology
This is a retrospec1ve analysis of data from the university hospital in Lausanne (CHUV) using RStudio®. This study includes individuals ≥ 18 years with non-metasta1c esophageal and rectal tumors who underwent surgery at CHUV between 01.01.2019 and 31.12.2021.
Main results
The average 1me span to surgery is 146 days. Considering all variables, the average delay for a pa1ent to get a diagnosis is 16 days with a median of 4 days. Univariates analyses of age, sex, and tumor loca1on did not show significant impacts on delays. About the TTI, referral 1ming to the CHUV is found significant (p=0.00065), with nega1ve impact for pa1ents referred aWer having consulted a specialist. The source of referral is also found significant on TTI (p=0.0013), with a posi1ve impact on it if referred by the general prac1cians.
Conclusion
The Swiss healthcare is posi1oned with a risky overall 1me span to surgery that can be explained by the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the 1me to diagnosis establishment is reassuring, aligning with recommenda1ons. Our findings on the TTI and the impact of referral source emphasize the importance of early referral to the CHUV, before seeing a specialist, and the efficiency of general prac11oners in managing this access to specialized care. This study reveals, no significant difference within gender, age, or cancer type. It underlines a reliable adherence to principles of equitable healthcare, in line with PAHO/WHO's gender equality policies.