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Surgical Tracheostomy in a COVID-19 Positive Patient: A Case Study.
Wayne Schmidt1, Andrea Hall2, Brent Heber3
1Board certified anesthesiologist with Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, Fort Hood, TX.
Medical Journal (Fort Sam Houston, Tex.)
|August 11, 2022
Summary
This case study details a successful surgical tracheostomy in a COVID-19 patient. It highlights essential personal protective equipment and anesthetic care recommendations for this high-risk procedure.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Surgical Innovation
- Infectious Disease Management
Background:
- COVID-19 pandemic necessitates adaptation in healthcare delivery.
- Tracheostomy is not routinely recommended for COVID-19 patients.
- Prolonged ventilation poses risks like stenosis and vocal cord paralysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a case study of a successful tracheostomy in a COVID-19 positive patient.
- To discuss personal protective equipment (PPE) for surgical and anesthesia teams.
- To review anesthetic care recommendations for tracheostomy in COVID-19 patients.
Main Methods:
- Surgical tracheostomy performed on a COVID-19 positive patient.
- Detailed description of specialized PPE utilized.
- Review of anesthetic management strategies during the procedure.
Main Results:
- Successful surgical tracheostomy achieved.
- Effective use of PPE demonstrated.
- Anesthetic protocols adapted for patient safety and infection control.
Conclusions:
- Surgical tracheostomy can be safely performed in COVID-19 positive patients.
- Appropriate PPE and anesthetic management are crucial.
- This case informs best practices for managing ventilated COVID-19 patients requiring tracheostomy.
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