Emergency tracheostomy protocols in Coltea Clinical Hospital in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection

Abstract

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in December 2019 there has been an array have studies regarding otolaryngologist and head and neck surgeons considering the exceptionally high risk of exposure. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the current practice in an oncology ENT Department, which ensures health care services for upper aero digestive tract cancer patients. It is of outmost importance that all the health care providers are aware of good clinical practice recommendations and training, according to the current guidelines that needs to be performed as often as possible, so that the implementation of the institution specific guidelines to be optimal. Performing a tracheostomy for an ENT emergency in a patient with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 disease requires preparation from the health care provider so, after reviewing the international literature, we have elaborated a protocol and guidelines in Colțea Clinical Hospital to ensure the possibility of performing emergency surgical interventions for oncology patients. Testing for SARS-CoV-2 is mandatory prior to surgery since opening the trachea and operating on the upper respiratory tract leads to aerosol particles that can infect the surrounding environment and health care providers. Limitations are predictable as long as health care systems are being under tremendous pressure from the general condition and by patients with life threatening disease.

Keywords

• covid-19
• aerosol
• upper respiratory tract
• surgery