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Review
. 2020;82(6):304-309.
doi: 10.1159/000511012. Epub 2020 Oct 8.

Protection of Medical Staff during Tracheotomy: Lessons Learned from the COVID-19 Pandemic

Dong-Hyun Lee  1 , Subin Kim  1 , Ji-Sun Kim  1 , Byung Guk Kim  1 , Ki-Hong Chang  1 , Jun-Ook Park  2
Affiliations
Review

Protection of Medical Staff during Tracheotomy: Lessons Learned from the COVID-19 Pandemic

Dong-Hyun Lee et al. ORL J Otorhinolaryngol Relat Spec. 2020.

Abstract

Background: During the ongoing pandemic of COVID-19, tracheotomy under emergency situation is considered a high-risk procedure that causes probable expose to aerosolized secretion.

Summary: We reviewed our case and previous reports, and summarized a detailed protocol that is needed to protect medical staffs who perform tracheotomy under the COVID-19 pandemic, considering the patient's condition, experience of medical staff members, and available facilities and equipment. Key Messages: For efficient protection of medical staff who perform tracheotomy under the COVID-19 pandemic period, we suggest that the following needs to be considered: assessment of patient's condition (COVID-19 infection and the airway problem), route (safest route to the operating room), experienced surgical team, negative-pressure isolation facility and appliance (personal protective equipment) availability, and safe and appropriate post-tracheotomy care.

Keywords: Airway management; COVID-19; Medical staff protection; Novel coronavirus; Tracheotomy.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Patient positioning and preparation in the negative-pressure operating room.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Using a closed ventilation system with a virus filter to transfer the patient to the ICU negative-pressure room.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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