Management of ENT emergencies during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Issue 2 (22nd February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stansfield, J; Dobbs, S; Harrison, R; Lee, K; Sharma, S; Okour, K; Agrawal, S; Miah, M S
• Is Part Of: Journal of laryngology & otology. Volume 135:Issue 2(2021)
• Page Start: 117
• Page End: 124
• Publication Date: 2021-02-22
• Subjects: Epistaxis, -- Peritonsillar Abscess, -- COVID-19; Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; 617.51
• DOI: 10.1017/S0022215121000530
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-2151

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 imposed dramatic changes on ENT service delivery. Pre-pandemic, such changes would have been considered potentially unsafe. This study outlines the impact of lockdown on the incidence and management of ENT emergencies at a large UK centre. Methods: After modification of pre-pandemic guidelines, ENT emergency referrals data during the UK lockdown were prospectively captured. A comparative analysis was performed with retrospective data from a corresponding period in 2019. Results: An overall reduction ( p < 0.001) in emergency referrals ( n = 119) and admissions ( n = 18) occurred during the lockdown period compared to the 2019 period (432 referrals and 290 admissions). Specifically, there were reduced admission rates for epistaxis ( p < 0.0001) and tonsillar infection ( p < 0.005) in the lockdown period. During lockdown, 90 per cent of patients requiring non-dissolvable nasal packing were managed as out-patients. Conclusions: Coronavirus disease 2019 compelled modifications to pre-pandemic ENT guidelines. The enforced changes to emergency care appear to be safe and successfully adopted. Arguably, the measures have both economic and patient-related implications post-coronavirus disease 2019 and during future similar pandemics and lockdowns.