• Robert M Brody, William Greer Albergotti, David Shimunov, Elizabeth Nicolli, Urjeet A Patel, Brianna N Harris, and Andrés M Bur.
• Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
• Head Neck. 2020 Jul 1; 42 (7): 1448-1453.

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has raised controversies regarding safe and effective care of patients with head and neck cancer. It is unknown how much the pandemic has changed surgeon practice.MethodsA questionnaire was distributed to head and neck surgeons assessing opinions related to treatment and concerns for the safety of patients, self, family, and staff.ResultsA total of 88 head and neck surgeons responded during the study period. Surgeons continued to recommend primary surgical treatment for oral cavity cancers. Respondents were more likely to consider nonsurgical therapy for patients with early glottic cancers and HPV-mediated oropharynx cancer. Surgeons were least likely to be concerned for their own health and safety and had the greatest concern for their resident trainees.ConclusionsThis study highlights differences in the willingness of head and neck surgeons to delay surgery or alter plans during times when hospital resources are scarce and risk is high.© 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

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