Tracheostomy during COVID‐19 pandemic—Novel approach. Issue 7 (6th May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chow, Velda Ling Yu; Chan, Jimmy Yu Wai; Ho, Valerie Wai Yee; Pang, Sherby Suet Ying; Lee, George Chung Ching; Wong, Melody Man Kuen; Lo, Arthur Shing Ho; Lui, Frances; Poon, Clara Ching Mei; Wong, Stanley Thian Sze
• Is Part Of: Head & neck. Volume 42:Issue 7(2020)
• Page Start: 1367
• Page End: 1373
• Publication Date: 2020-05-06
• Subjects: conservation of PPE -- COVID‐19 -- head and neck cancer -- novel approach -- tracheostomy; Head -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Neck -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Head -- Periodicals; Neck -- Periodicals; Face -- Periodicals; 617.51059
• DOI: 10.1002/hed.26234
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1043-3074

Abstract

Abstract: Background: This study describes a novel approach in reducing SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission during tracheostomy. Methods: Five patients underwent tracheostomy between April 1, 2020 and April 17, 2020. A clear and sterile plastic drape was used as an additional physical barrier against droplets and aerosols. Operative diagnosis; droplet count and distribution on plastic sheet and face shields were documented. Results: Tracheostomy was performed for patients with carcinoma of tonsil (n = 2) and nasopharynx (n = 1), and aspiration pneumonia (n = 2). Droplet contamination was noted on all plastic sheets (n = 5). Droplet contamination was most severe over the central surface at 91.5% (86.7%‐100.0%) followed by the left and right lateral surfaces at 5.2% (6.7%‐10.0%) and 3.3% (6.7%‐10.0%), respectively. No droplet contamination was noted on all face shields. Conclusion: Plastic drapes can help reduce viral transmission to health care providers during tracheostomy. Face shields may be spared which in turn helps to conserve resources during the novel coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.