"A Systematic Review on Guidelines and Recommendations for Tracheostomy During COVID-19 Pandemic"

Area of Science:

• Critical Care Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Surgical Procedures

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic created a global shortage of ventilators for critically ill patients.
• Prolonged intubation is not ideal; tracheostomy offers an alternative airway but poses infection risks.
• Healthcare providers face challenges in safely performing tracheostomies and managing post-operative care during the pandemic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review current data on tracheostomy in COVID-19 patients.
• To provide guidance on optimal timing, personal protection, surgical modifications, and post-operative care.
• To minimize the risk of nosocomial transmission during tracheostomy procedures.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of available literature.
• Analysis of guidelines and recommendations for tracheostomy in the context of COVID-19.
• Focus on operative modifications and post-tracheostomy patient management.

Main Results:

• Guidelines address timing, surgical site selection, and modified techniques for tracheostomy.
• Emphasis on enhanced personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers.
• Specific protocols for post-tracheostomy care are crucial for infection control.

Conclusions:

• Tracheostomy is a vital procedure for managing ventilated COVID-19 patients.
• Adherence to modified techniques and stringent infection control is paramount.
• Further research may refine best practices for tracheostomy during infectious disease pandemics.