European annals of otorhinolaryngology, head and neck diseases
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Eur Ann Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Dis · Jan 2021
ReviewThe humanitarian and outreach ethics charter in ENT. Ethics at the heart of missions.
Humanitarian action, in the broad sense, including global outreach missions by ENT physicians, has been effective for many years. These volunteer missions have not had any specific regulatory framework, be it medical, social or above all ethical. The testimony of ENT physicians in certain "recipient" countries, in particular during the 2017 Paris Congress of the International Federation of Otorhinolaryngological Societies (IFOS), revealed the importance of adequate coordination between "provider" and "recipient" teams. ⋯ The present review is based on feedback from several missions given to the French Society of OtoRhinoLaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery (SFORL) and IFOS, and on a review of the literature. A specific charter of global outreach and humanitarian missions in ENT has been drawn up. This review is essential for optimizing the sharing of knowledge and training in otorhinolaryngology across the world while respecting mandatory sociocultural and ethical rules.
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Eur Ann Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Dis · Sep 2020
Percutaneous tracheostomy simulation training for ENT physicians in the treatment of COVID-19-positive patients.
Tracheostomy in COVID-19-related severe acute respiratory syndrome is at high risk of viral dissemination. The percutaneous dilatation technique could reduce this risk, being performed at the bedside and minimising airway opening. In the COVID-19 context, however, with precarious respiratory status, it requires specific preparation. ⋯ A low-tech procedural simulator was also developed for practicing the steps of the procedure. Our experience (3 sessions with 14 participants) highlighted the difficult points of the procedure in the COVID-19 context, and defined a checklist for clinical practice and an assessment grid. This type of simulation helps to prepare teams for a potentially delicate technical act.
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Eur Ann Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Dis · Sep 2020
Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy for saturating influx of COVID-19 patients: Experience of military ENT physicians deployed in Mulhouse, France.
The main objective was to demonstrate the feasibility of percutaneous tracheostomy performed under difficult conditions by military ENT physicians during their deployment in the military intensive care field hospital of the French Military Medical Service in Mulhouse to confront the exceptional COVID-19 pandemic. The secondary objective was to assess reliability and safety for patient and caregivers, with a risk of iatrogenic viral contamination. ⋯ This study showed the feasibility of percutaneous tracheostomy by an ENT physician under COVID-19 biohazard conditions. The technique was fast, easy and safe and met safety requirements for patient and staff.
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Eur Ann Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Dis · Sep 2020
Treatment of sleep apnea by ENT specialists during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The treatment of sleep disorders has been strongly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. When the lockdown is over, resumption of usual patient care will require precautions to limit the risk of contamination for patients and caregivers. In this document, the French Association of Otorhinolaryngology and Sleep disorders (AFSORL) and the French Society of Otorhinolaryngology (SFORL) put forward a summary of the measures for continuing the treatment of sleep apnoea syndrome in these new practice conditions. Emphasis is placed on teleconsultation, methods of nocturnal sleep studies, the conditions for treatment by continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) ventilation, and the postponement of more invasive treatments.
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Eur Ann Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Dis · Sep 2020
COVID-19 and rhinology, from the consultation room to the operating theatre.
The purpose of this article is to give rhinologists advice on how to adapt their standard practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. The main goal of these recommendations is to protect healthcare workers against COVID-19 while continuing to provide emergency care so as to prevent loss of chance for patients. We reviewed our recommendations concerning consultations, medical prescriptions and surgical activity in rhinology.