Purpose: Otolaryngologists have had to postpone the majority of surgical procedures in the current COVID-19 pandemic. Airborne transmission, beyond the projection of droplets from upper airways, expose healthcare workers to a risk of viral infection. Aerosol generating procedures (AGP) increase the risk of viral transmission to staff within the operating room. Methods: Surgery of middle ear and mastoid is also considered an AGP, particularly mastoidectomy performed using a high-speed drill. The authors report their experience in endoscopic ear surgery as an alternative technique to reduce AGP in otologic procedures. Results: Transcanal endoscopic ear surgery is a reliable technique used to manage many otologic conditions. Conclusion: The endoscopic approach may reduce the risk of viral transmission to operating room staff by reducing the need for mastoidectomy.
Ayache S., Kutz W., Isaacson B., Badr-El-Dine M., Nogueira J.F., Marchioni D., et al. (2021). COVID-19 and ear endoscopy in otologic practices. EUROPEAN ARCHIVES OF OTO-RHINO-LARYNGOLOGY, 278(6), 2133-2135 [10.1007/s00405-020-06309-9].
COVID-19 and ear endoscopy in otologic practices
Presutti L.
2021
Abstract
Purpose: Otolaryngologists have had to postpone the majority of surgical procedures in the current COVID-19 pandemic. Airborne transmission, beyond the projection of droplets from upper airways, expose healthcare workers to a risk of viral infection. Aerosol generating procedures (AGP) increase the risk of viral transmission to staff within the operating room. Methods: Surgery of middle ear and mastoid is also considered an AGP, particularly mastoidectomy performed using a high-speed drill. The authors report their experience in endoscopic ear surgery as an alternative technique to reduce AGP in otologic procedures. Results: Transcanal endoscopic ear surgery is a reliable technique used to manage many otologic conditions. Conclusion: The endoscopic approach may reduce the risk of viral transmission to operating room staff by reducing the need for mastoidectomy.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
