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Review
. 2020 Jun;42(6):1227-1234.
doi: 10.1002/hed.26162. Epub 2020 Apr 17.

Impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on otolaryngologic surgery: Brief commentary

Darrin V Bann  1 , Vijay A Patel  1 , Robert Saadi  1 , John P Gniady  1 , Neerav Goyal  1 , Johnathan D McGinn  1 , David Goldenberg  1
Affiliations
Review

Impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on otolaryngologic surgery: Brief commentary

Darrin V Bann et al. Head Neck. 2020 Jun.

Abstract

Background: The Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a global health crisis and otolaryngologists are at increased occupational risk of contracting COVID-19. There are currently no uniform best-practice recommendations for otolaryngologic surgery in the setting of COVID-19.

Methods: We reviewed relevant publications and position statements regarding the management of otolaryngology patients in the setting of COVID-19. Recommendations regarding clinical practice during the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) outbreaks were also reviewed.

Results: Enhanced personal protective equipment (N95 respirator and face shield or powered air-purifying respirator, disposable cap and gown, gloves) is required for any otolaryngology patient with unknown, suspected, or positive COVID-19 status. Elective procedures should be postponed indefinitely, and clinical practice should be limited to patients with urgent or emergent needs.

Conclusion: We summarize current best-practice recommendations for otolaryngologists to ensure safety for themselves, their clinical staff, and their patients.

Keywords: COVID-19; PPE; SARS-CoV-2; coronavirus; otolaryngology; surgery.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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