Bronchoscopy during the COVID-19 pandemic: effect on current practices and strategies to reduce procedure-associated

Fotios Sampsonas1, Loukas Kakoullis1, Theodoros Karampitsakos1

  • 1Respiratory Medicine Department, Internal Medicine Division, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece.

Insights

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted bronchoscopy and lung cancer diagnostics. New safety protocols, including universal personal protective equipment and pre-procedure PCR tests, are essential for safe procedures.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Oncology

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has profoundly affected medical procedures.
  • Bronchoscopy and lung cancer diagnostic services have faced significant disruptions.

Observation:

  • This review examines the role of bronchoscopy in COVID-19 patients.
  • It assesses the pandemic's impact on lung cancer diagnosis due to potential viral transmission.

Findings:

  • Bronchoscopy practices have been altered, necessitating enhanced safety measures.
  • Lung cancer diagnostic services require adaptation to the pandemic's challenges.

Implications:

  • Universal personal protective equipment, pre-procedure PCR testing, protective barriers, and disposable bronchoscopes are recommended.
  • These measures aim to ensure the safety and continuity of complex procedures during and after the pandemic.

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