CEORL-HNS Statement to COVID-19

This is a summary of the current recommendations from CEORL-HNS (Confederation of European Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery);

 1) Endoscopic examinations should be avoided and only be indicated when necessary.

2) Avoid non-urgent and non-cancer surgery. In particular, Endonasal Endoscopic Sinonasal Surgery and Laryngological Surgery (especially jet ventilated - orotracheal intubation is more appropriate) seems to be the riskiest procedures.

Tracheostomy is considered to be a particularly high-risk procedure during surgery but also in aftercare which could potentially also increase amount of PPE consumed many folds that are already universally in short supply. The need for tracheostomy in COVID-19 patients should be carefully assessed by a multidisciplinary team.

COVID-19 should be excluded in patients undergoing surgery. If the acute medical condition does not allow it, it is necessary to consider the patient positive until the result is negative.

The most important goal right now is to preserve the health and the wellbeing of the health care professionals! Only healthy doctors and nurses can handle the upcoming extreme situation. It is absolutely necessary to use adequate protective equipment, to follow hygienic recommendations, and to sleep and rest as much as possible. In the case of incipient signs of upper respiratory tract infections are seen, behave responsibly towards your colleagues, patients and, if possible, stay at home. Unfortunately, already some of our specialty friends have been infected and receive treatment, but also tragically passed away in the most affected countries. Please use your PPE and protect yourselves according to the published guidelines.
None of us has experience with this situation, which, moreover, changes very dynamically, on daily basis. It is important to share verified professional information. 

Documents:

Handbook of Covid-19 from the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine: Handbook of COVID-19 Prevention and Treatment (PDF) - Local download: Handbook of COVID-19 Prevention and Treatment -min

COVID-19 information for health professionals: www.entuk.org/covid-19

Source: www.ceorlhns.org/covid-19