Microsurgery in the era of COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented new challenges to microsurgeons. The virus is highly transmissible, with increased risk during operations that involve the aerodigestive tract. It is important to be able to identify high-risk operations and scenarios to guide management decisions and selection of personal protective equipment. Preoperative testing is a key element in identifying high-risk scenarios, and preoperative testing protocols are essential to maintaining safety in the COVID-19 era. Because COVID-19 can be transmitted via the conjunctiva, adaptations to loupes and microscopes are necessary to safely perform microsurgery in high-risk scenarios. We outline a potential risk stratification algorithm, as well as precautions for each scenario. Potential areas for innovation are also discussed.

A Protocol for Safe Head and Neck Reconstructive Surgery in the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant implications for citizens globally and for the healthcare system, including plastic surgeons. Operations of the upper aerodigestive tract, including head and neck reconstruction and craniomaxillofacial procedures, are of particularly high risk because they may aerosolize the virus and lead to severe surgeon and surgical team illness. Until the virus is eradicated or widespread vaccination occurs, we recommend certain precautions to safely perform these operations. We propose evolving algorithms for head and neck reconstruction and facial trauma surgeries to maintain provider safety. Central to these guidelines are preoperative COVID-19 testing, appropriate personal protective equipment, and operative techniques/principles that minimize operative time and aerosolization of the virus. We aim to provide efficient care to our patients throughout this pandemic, while maintaining the safety of plastic surgeons and other healthcare providers.