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Cochlear Implant Surgery During the Covid Pandemic Lockdown-The KEM Hospital, Pune Experience
Neelam Vaid1, Varada Vaze1, Nikhil Gokhale1
1Department of E.N.T., K.E.M. Hospital, Pune, 411011 India.
Insights
This study details modifications to cochlear implantation protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes ensured patient safety during the resumption of elective surgeries, including cochlear implant procedures.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neurosurgery
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Background:
- COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread cancellation of elective surgeries.
- Resumption of surgeries required strict safety protocols and adequate hospital infrastructure.
- Cochlear implantation, an elective procedure, was significantly impacted.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe protocol modifications for cochlear implantation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- To ensure patient safety and optimize care during the resumption of elective surgeries.
- To share experiences from the initial phase of restarting cochlear implant surgeries post-pandemic restrictions.
Main Methods:
- Review and adaptation of preoperative assessment protocols.
- Implementation of intraoperative safety measures to minimize infection risk.
- Modification of postoperative care and follow-up procedures for enhanced patient management.
Main Results:
- Successfully resumed cochlear implant surgeries in April 2020.
- Performed 5 cochlear implant surgeries adhering to modified protocols.
- Established a framework for safe surgical practice during the pandemic.
Conclusions:
- Modified protocols enabled the safe resumption of cochlear implantation.
- Adaptable surgical practices are crucial for maintaining patient care during public health crises.
- The experience provides a model for other centers restarting elective surgeries.
Abstract:
In response to the Covid 19 pandemic many governments and professional bodies recommended cancellation of elective surgeries including cochlear implantation. Resumption of elective surgeries was recommended after appropriate permissions were given by the authorities and the hospital had adequate infrastructure in terms of equipment and manpower to start elective surgeries without compromising on patient safety and care. We began cochlear implant surgeries in April 2020. We have done 5 cochlear implants surgeries till date. This manuscript discusses the changes that we did in our preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative protocol.
