Jump to main content
US EPA
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Search
Search
Main menu
Environmental Topics
Laws & Regulations
About EPA
Health & Environmental Research Online (HERO)
Contact Us
Print
Feedback
Export to File
Search:
This record has one attached file:
Add More Files
Attach File(s):
Display Name for File*:
Save
Citation
Tags
HERO ID
7020231
Reference Type
Journal Article
Title
A Commentary on Safety Precautions for Otologic Surgery during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Author(s)
Saadi, RA; Bann, DV; Patel, VA; Goldenberg, D; May, J; Isildak, H; ,
Year
2020
Is Peer Reviewed?
1
Journal
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
ISSN:
0194-5998
EISSN:
1097-6817
Publisher
SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD
Location
LONDON
Page Numbers
797-799
Language
English
PMID
32286916
DOI
10.1177/0194599820919741
Web of Science Id
WOS:000527774800001
Abstract
There are insufficient data regarding the safety of otologic procedures in the setting of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Given the proclivity for respiratory pathogens to involve the middle ear and the significant aerosolization associated with many otologic procedures, safety precautions should follow current recommendations for procedures involving the upper airway. Until preoperative diagnostic testing becomes standardized and readily available, elective cases should be deferred and emergent/urgent cases should be treated as high risk for COVID-19 exposure. Necessary otologic procedures on positive, suspected, or unknown COVID-19 status patients should be performed using enhanced personal protective equipment, including an N95 respirator and eye protection or powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR, preferred), disposable cap, disposable gown, and gloves. Powered instrumentation should be avoided unless absolutely necessary, and if performed, PAPR or sealed eye protection is recommended.
Home
Learn about HERO
Using HERO
Search HERO
Projects in HERO
Risk Assessment
Transparency & Integrity