Tracheostomy in COVID-19 Pandemic Era / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

The outbreak of new coronavirus (COVID-19) has emerged as the cause of a severe acute respiratory. The COVID-19 pandemic led to an unexpected increase in the number of patients who are critically ill and required mechanical ventilation for active respiratory support. Tracheostomy is a common surgical procedure performed on patient to provide long-term ventilator support or to manage upper airway obstruction. It could be a critical role in the management of COVID-19 patients. Insertion of a tracheal cannula has become a viable alternative to prolonged endotracheal intubation, with the benefits of decreased airway resistance, improved patient comfort, reduced need for sedation, easier sputum removal. While these interventions could be necessary to provide adequate care, they require special precautions to minimize occupational risk. Because the spread of COVID-19 happened by aerosol and fine droplets, medical staffs are in direct danger of occupational exposure while caring for these patients. The purpose of this article is to review the preoperative preparation and tracheostomy guidelines related to COVID-19 pandemic spread.