COVID-19: Operational Measures from a Surgeon's Perspective

Area of Science:

• Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• The novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, causes COVID-19, a global pandemic impacting public health significantly.
• Healthcare workers, particularly those in head and neck specialties, are at high risk of infection due to the airborne nature of SARS-CoV-2.
• The pandemic has led to widespread disruption, with numerous reports of healthcare worker infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight instructions and suggestions for safeguarding patients and healthcare teams during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To address the unique vulnerabilities of head and neck surgical specialties to infection transmission.
• To aid decision-making for surgeons regarding patient care amidst the pandemic.

Main Methods:

• Review of instructions and suggestions from international and national health agencies.
• Focus on safeguarding patients, surgical teams, healthcare workers, and the community.
• Consideration of the specific risks in head and neck surgical procedures.

Main Results:

• Identification of high-risk groups among healthcare workers.
• Emphasis on the vulnerability of head and neck surgical specialties.
• Compilation of safety guidelines for various stakeholders.

Conclusions:

• Adherence to safety guidelines is crucial for protecting healthcare professionals and patients.
• These guidelines can assist surgeons in making informed decisions about patient management.
• Protecting healthcare providers is essential for maintaining public health services during the pandemic.