Indian J Otolaryngol
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Tracheostomy in patients with COVID-19 requires significant decision making and procedural planning. Use of tracheostomy can facilitate weaning from ventilation and potentially increase the availability of much needed intensive care unit (ICU) beds, however this being a high aerosol generating procedure it does put the health care worker to risk of transmission. Here we present our experience and protocols for performing tracheostomy in COVID-19 positive patients. ⋯ We have summarized our experience in performing tracheostomies in 11 such patients. Our guidelines and recommendations on tracheostomy during the COVID-19 pandemic are presented in this study. We suggest tracheostomies to be done after 10 days of intubation with precautions and given indications with the idea of early weaning off of patient from ventilator and more availability of ICU beds which is already overwhelmed by patient load.
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Indian J Otolaryngol · Aug 2020
Otolaryngology Practice in Covid 19 Era: A Road-Map to Safe Endoscopies.
Covid-19 has changed the way medical services are being delivered all around the world. Otolaryngology as a speciality is anecdotally associated with high risk of infection. ⋯ An overhaul of endoscopy and associated procedures is necessary keeping in mind the prevailing situations. This paper aims at a review of the on-going research and development of a road map for safe endoscopies-both for patients and heath care workers.