Reddy PD, Nguyen SA, Deschler D. Bronchoscopy, laryngoscopy, and esophagoscopy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Head Neck 2020;
42:1634-1637. [PMID:
32348600 PMCID:
PMC7267422 DOI:
10.1002/hed.26221]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
The United States now has the highest death toll due to COVID‐19. Many otolaryngology procedures, including laryngoscopy, bronchoscopy, and esophagoscopy, place otolaryngologists at increased risk of coronavirus transmission due to close contact with respiratory droplets and aerosolization from the procedure. The aim of this study is to provide an overview of guidelines on how to perform these procedures during the coronavirus pandemic.
Methods
Literature review was performed. Articles citing laryngoscopy, bronchoscopy, esophagoscopy use with regard to COVID‐19 were included.
Results
Laryngoscopy, bronchoscopy, and esophagoscopy are all used in both emergent and elective situations. Understanding the risk stratification of cases and the varied necessity of personal protective equipment is important in protecting patients and health care workers.
Conclusions
Summary guidelines based on the literature available at this time are presented in order to decrease transmission of the virus and protect those involved.
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