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Impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on otolaryngologic surgery: Brief commentary
Darrin V Bann1, Vijay A Patel1, Robert Saadi1
1Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, The Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States.
Insights
Otolaryngologists face increased COVID-19 risk. Enhanced personal protective equipment and postponing elective procedures are crucial for otolaryngologic surgery during the pandemic.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- The Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic poses a significant occupational health risk to otolaryngologists.
- A lack of uniform best-practice guidelines exists for otolaryngologic surgery amidst the COVID-19 crisis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize current best-practice recommendations for otolaryngologists.
- To ensure the safety of otolaryngologists, clinical staff, and patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive review of relevant publications and position statements concerning otolaryngology patient management during COVID-19.
- Inclusion of recommendations from previous outbreaks such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).
Main Results:
- Mandatory use of enhanced personal protective equipment (PPE), including N95 respirators, face shields, or powered air-purifying respirators, along with disposable caps, gowns, and gloves, for all otolaryngology patients regardless of COVID-19 status.
- Indefinite postponement of elective otolaryngologic procedures.
- Prioritization of clinical practice to only urgent or emergent patient needs.
Conclusions:
- Implementation of enhanced safety protocols is vital for otolaryngologists.
- Adherence to these recommendations mitigates occupational risks and protects patient well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Background:
The Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a global health crisis and otolaryngologists are at increased occupational risk of contracting COVID-19. There are currently no uniform best-practice recommendations for otolaryngologic surgery in the setting of COVID-19.
Methods:
We reviewed relevant publications and position statements regarding the management of otolaryngology patients in the setting of COVID-19. Recommendations regarding clinical practice during the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) outbreaks were also reviewed.
Results:
Enhanced personal protective equipment (N95 respirator and face shield or powered air-purifying respirator, disposable cap and gown, gloves) is required for any otolaryngology patient with unknown, suspected, or positive COVID-19 status. Elective procedures should be postponed indefinitely, and clinical practice should be limited to patients with urgent or emergent needs.
Conclusion:
We summarize current best-practice recommendations for otolaryngologists to ensure safety for themselves, their clinical staff, and their patients.
