Impact of the 2024 Korean Healthcare Crisis on Foot and Ankle Surgery in Single Tertiary Medical Center: A Retrospective Study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: The 2024 healthcare crisis in South Korea, triggered by mass resignations of residents, caused widespread disruptions in healthcare services.This study investigates the impact of this crisis on foot and ankle surgery at a tertiary medical center in South Korea.Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients who underwent foot and ankle surgeries at a tertiary center.The study population was divided into pre-crisis and post-crisis groups.Data on demographics, surgery types, anesthesia methods, and clinical outcomes were analyzed.Results: The total number of surgeries decreased after healthcare crisis (from 181 to 109 cases).No significant differences were found between the pre-and post-crisis periods in demographics (P > 0.05).However, the proportion of major amputations for infection significantly increased after the crisis compared to before (P = 0.033).Additionally, C-reactive protein levels and white blood cell count upon admission for infection surgeries were significantly higher post-crisis than pre-crisis (P = 0.028 and P < 0.001, respectively).In terms of anesthesia, general anesthesia decreased from 58.0% pre-crisis to 35.8% postcrisis (P < 0.001), while spinal anesthesia increased from 6.1% to 26.6% (P < 0.001), and local anesthesia increased from 1.7% to 9.2% (P = 0.006). Conclusion:Based on the present study conducted at a single tertiary medical center, the shortage of medical personnel due to resident resignations during South Korea's medical crisis led to a reduction in total surgical volume, an increase in infection severity, and a shift in anesthesia techniques.
Institution: Konyang University Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Oncology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $690
Funder: Konyang University
OpenAlex ID: W7130358409