Impact of COVID-19 infections in the clinical practices of otorhinolaryngology and head and neck surgery: A review

Abstract

The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a global health crisis. COVID-19 is a highly contagious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) which spread human-to-human by respiratory droplets. It was declared as a public health emergency by the World Health Organization. The clinicians particularly otorhinolaryngologists and head and neck surgeons are at increased occupation risk for getting infections of the SARS-CoV-2. A large group of patients those have no overt signs and symptoms, yet pose a high risk to the health care workers particularly otolaryngologist sand head and neck surgeons those deal frequently ear, nose, throat and respiratory airway. All the procedures which have the potential for aerodigestive secretions must be avoided or done only if mandatory. Any intervention in the upper aerodigestive region irrespective of the setting and confirmation of the COVID-19, the health care personnel should wear personal protective equipment such as N95, gown, cap, face shield, eye protection, and gloves. The procedures such as nasal endoscopy, flexible laryngoscopy, tracheostomy, and procedures of the oral cavity and oropharynx need safety of the health care professionals during COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, otorhinolaryngologists, head and neck, and maxillofacial surgeons have the greatest risk toward to get infections from COVID-19-positive patients and their protections should be considered as a priority in the current dreaded pandemic.