COVID-19 and ear endoscopy in otologic practices.

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Infectious Disease Control

Background:

• COVID-19 pandemic necessitates minimizing aerosol-generating procedures (AGP) in otolaryngology.
• Healthcare workers face significant viral infection risk from airborne transmission during surgery.
• Aerosol-generating procedures, like mastoidectomy, pose a heightened risk in operating rooms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate endoscopic ear surgery as an alternative to traditional mastoidectomy.
• To assess the potential of endoscopic techniques in reducing AGP during otologic procedures.
• To mitigate viral transmission risks to operating room staff.

Main Methods:

• The study reports on the authors' experience with transcanal endoscopic ear surgery.
• This technique is presented as an alternative to reduce aerosol-generating procedures.
• Focus on otologic procedures, specifically those involving the middle ear and mastoid.

Main Results:

• Transcanal endoscopic ear surgery is a reliable method for managing various otologic conditions.
• The endoscopic approach can potentially decrease the need for mastoidectomy.
• This reduction in mastoidectomy may lower the generation of aerosols.

Conclusions:

• Endoscopic ear surgery may significantly reduce the risk of viral transmission to operating room personnel.
• By potentially avoiding mastoidectomy, the endoscopic approach offers a safer surgical option.
• This technique contributes to enhanced safety protocols in otolaryngology during pandemics.