Systematic Literature Review of the Urological Field and Considerations in COVID-19

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was declared a worldwide pandemic in March 2020 after originating in China. Widespread uncertainty resulting from the pandemic has revolutionized urology practice worldwide, similar to that observed in other fields. The urological manifestations of COVID-19 were investigated by performing a literature search using a combination of keywords related to COVID-19 and urology. To date, COVID-19 has not been associated with any lower urinary tract symptoms, and there is no level 1 evidence that associates it with urinary malignancy and urolithiasis. Viral RNA has been detected in urine (5.74%), but there is no evidence of actual infection via urine. COVID-19 has transformed the standard urological practice into crisis-based care and has changed the medical and surgical priorities dramatically in the field. Most hospitals have established quarantine guidelines for each hospital, and procedures must be performed according to the present circumstances. Furthermore, in the absence of high-level evidence, specific efforts are needed to minimize the risk of COVID-19 infections during care.