Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Global Open (Nov 2020)

A Protocol for Safe Head and Neck Reconstructive Surgery in the COVID-19 Pandemic

  • Stacy Wong, MD,
  • Jesse I. Payton, MD,
  • Nicholas F. Lombana, MD,
  • Matthew M. Hanasono, MD, FACS,
  • Gordon K. Lee, MD, FACS,
  • Michel Saint-Cyr, MD, FRCS(C),
  • Andrew M. Altman, MD,
  • Sebastian M. Brooke, MD

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000003258
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 8, no. 11
p. e3258

Abstract

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Summary. The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant implications for citizens globally and for the healthcare system, including plastic surgeons. Operations of the upper aerodigestive tract, including head and neck reconstruction and craniomaxillofacial procedures, are of particularly high risk because they may aerosolize the virus and lead to severe surgeon and surgical team illness. Until the virus is eradicated or widespread vaccination occurs, we recommend certain precautions to safely perform these operations. We propose evolving algorithms for head and neck reconstruction and facial trauma surgeries to maintain provider safety. Central to these guidelines are preoperative COVID-19 testing, appropriate personal protective equipment, and operative techniques/principles that minimize operative time and aerosolization of the virus. We aim to provide efficient care to our patients throughout this pandemic, while maintaining the safety of plastic surgeons and other healthcare providers.