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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.
Abstract:
Introduction: Bronchoscopy and related procedures have unambiguously been affected during the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Corona Virus-2 (SARS COV-2). Ordinary bronchoscopy practices and lung cancer services might have changed over this pandemic and for the years to come.Areas covered: This manuscript summarizes the utility of bronchoscopy in COVID-19 patients, and the impact of the pandemic in lung cancer diagnostic services, in view of possible viral spread during these We conducted a literature review of articles published in PubMed/Medline from inception to November 5th, 2020 using relevant terms.Expert opinion: Without doubt this pandemic has changed the way bronchoscopy and related procedures are being performed. Mandatory universal personal protective equipment, pre-bronchoscopy PCR tests, dedicated protective barriers and disposable bronchoscopes might be the safest and simpler way to perform even the most complicated procedures.
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