Rhinological procedures result in minimal generation of aerosols

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Infectious Disease Transmission
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Respiratory infections spread via aerosols, particularly during aerosol-generating procedures (AGP).
• Rhinosurgery involves upper airway manipulation, posing a potential risk for respiratory infection transmission.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess staff exposure to aerosols during common rhinosurgical procedures.
• To compare aerosol generation in rhinosurgery with coughing and background levels.

Main Methods:

• Particle concentrations and size distributions (0.3-10 µm) were measured during 16 rhinosurgeries using an optical particle sizer.
• Aerosol exposure during coughing and operating room background levels served as reference points.

Main Results:

• Suction use resulted in significantly lower aerosol concentrations than coughing.
• Injection anesthesia generated low aerosol levels.
• Microdebriders produced fewer aerosols than cold dissection for particles >1 µm.

Conclusions:

• Common rhinosurgeries generate lower or similar aerosol concentrations compared to coughing.
• The classification of rhinosurgeries as AGPs warrants re-evaluation or removal.