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Lookup NU author(s): Kim Keltie, Dr Paola Cognigni, Dr Andrew SimsORCiD
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
INTRODUCTION: Patients with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) require frequent surgical removal of benign growths in the airway to maintain patency. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on these patients, by monitoring their care and outcomes before and after the pandemic. METHODS: Participants were children or adults diagnosed with RRP, receiving treatment within an acute National Health Service hospital in the United Kingdom, registered with the Airway Intervention Registry. Data were captured between 1 April 2018 and 31 March 2022 (2 years pre- and post-COVID-19). Records for a subgroup of patients treated in England were linked to routine administrative data (Hospital Episode Statistics) for additional follow-up. Frequency of hospital visits, method of admission, type of surgical intervention, complications, disease severity (Derkay score) and voice quality were monitored. RESULTS: There was a reduction in RRP surgery frequency post COVID-19. The reporting clinician noted an intervention delay caused by COVID-19 in 11.8% of cases, and in half of those the treating clinician noted that the delay had resulted in worse symptoms. Despite this, disease severity remained relatively stable in both children and adults, as demonstrated by the Derkay and voice quality scores. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with RRP experienced a reduction in surgical intervention post COVID-19. Although disease severity appeared overall stable within the study period, the long-term impact of changing surgical management of RRP patients in terms of voice quality and quality of life remain uncertain.
Author(s): Donne A, Keltie K, Cognigni P, Burn J, Powell S, Patrick H, Sims A
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England
Year: 2026
Volume: 108
Issue: 1
Pages: 46-51
Print publication date: 01/01/2026
Online publication date: 17/06/2025
Acceptance date: 04/04/2025
Date deposited: 06/01/2026
ISSN (print): 0035-8843
ISSN (electronic): 1478-7083
Publisher: Royal College of Surgeons of England
URL: https://doi.org/10.1308/rcsann.2025.0030
DOI: 10.1308/rcsann.2025.0030
Data Access Statement: Any external researchers requesting data from the Airway Intervention Registry will be required to submit a formal application form. Only formal applications with appropriate ethical approvals in place (reviewed by an independent ethics committee) will be reviewed by the established AIR Steering Group committee. If approval is given, only anonymised data will be shared for the purposes of external research studies
PubMed id: 40525917
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