Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Jul 2020
ReviewUpholding the Tripartite Mission in Times of Crisis: Purpose and Perseverance in the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Academic otolaryngology has historically comprised a tripartite mission of research, education, and clinical care. This mission is greatly strained by the COVID-19 pandemic. Research laboratories are fallow, surgical cases are deferred, and clerkships are canceled. ⋯ Necessity has spurred innovation in education, science, and novel models of care. Paragons strike notes of hope, inspiring us to persevere and serve. This commentary explores the present challenges and offers a vision for upholding the academic mission.
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Jul 2020
ReviewHigh-Risk Aerosol-Generating Procedures in COVID-19: Respiratory Protective Equipment Considerations.
The correct selection and utilization of respiratory personal protective equipment is of the utmost importance in the current COVID-19 pandemic. This is especially true for health care workers exposed to high-risk aerosol-generating procedures, including otolaryngologists, ophthalmologists, neurosurgeons, maxillofacial surgeons, and laparoscopic surgeons. ⋯ However, high-risk aerosol-generating procedures may create aerosolization of high viral loads that represent increased risk to health care workers. In these situations, enhanced respiratory protection with filters certified as 99, 100, or HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) may be appropriate.
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Jul 2020
Olfactory Dysfunction and Sinonasal Symptomatology in COVID-19: Prevalence, Severity, Timing, and Associated Characteristics.
Olfactory dysfunction (OD)-hyposmia or anosmia-is a symptom of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We sought to better determine prevalence, severity, and timing of OD in COVID-19 relative to other sinonasal and pulmonary symptoms. ⋯ OD is highly prevalent during COVID-19, occurring early and severely, often in conjunction with loss of taste. OD is associated negatively with older age and positively with female sex. Patients with OD may also experience more severe SOB.
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Jul 2020
Application of a Modified Endoscopy Face Mask for Flexible Laryngoscopy During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Diagnostic flexible laryngoscopy (DFL) is a critical tool in the armamentarium of an otolaryngologist. However, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, DFL represents a high-risk procedure for patients and otolaryngologists due to the risk of aerosolization. ⋯ Our modified endoscopy mask provides an additional barrier against the transmission of airborne pathogens. The modified endoscopy face mask may also serve as a useful tool for otolaryngologists as they return to performing more aerosol-generating procedures in the outpatient setting.
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Jul 2020
ReviewOtolaryngology Residency Application during the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Pandemic.
The escalation of the COVID-19 pandemic has affected health care at every level, including medical education. As some fourth-year medical students graduate early to join the front lines, we must now turn our attention to those trainees in their penultimate year. In this commentary, we address the unique dilemmas facing otolaryngology residency candidates for the 2020-2021 cycle, with a focus on those applicants with no institutional otolaryngology department.