Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Aug 2020
Cadaveric Simulation of Otologic Procedures: An Analysis of Droplet Splatter Patterns During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
The otolaryngology community has significant concerns regarding the spread of SARS-CoV-2 through droplet contamination and viral aerosolization during head and neck examinations and procedures. The objective of this study was to investigate the droplet and splatter contamination from common otologic procedures. ⋯ Our results show that there is no droplet generation during myringotomy with ventilation tube placement in an operating room setting. Mastoidectomy, however, showed gross contamination 3 to 6 ft away in all directions measured. Additionally, there was significantly more droplet and splatter generation to the left of the surgeon when measured at 1 and 3 ft as compared with all other measured directions.
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Aug 2020
Facial Schwannoma Management Outcomes: A Systematic Review of the Literature.
To evaluate facial nerve outcomes of various management strategies for facial schwannomas by assimilating individualized patient data from the literature to address controversies in management. ⋯ The data from this study help delineate which treatment strategies are best in which clinical scenarios. The findings can be used to develop a more definitive management algorithm for this complicated pathology.
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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.