ABSTRACT
Objective: The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a disruption of the routine clinical and surgical activities of the national health system, resulting in the accumulation of clinical cases and consequent delay in the management of the cancer patient. The prolongation of patient management processes due to the infectious risk collided with the inevitable progression of the disease from untimely interventions. Through this study, we offer our experience gained during the COVID-19 era in the management of oncological pathology through useful action plans and services for head and neck cancer. Materials and Methods: A multicenter retrospective study through the analysis of the Otorhinolaryngology Units oncological databases of the University of Catania (Catania, Italy) and the Morgagni Pierantoni Hospital of Forli (Forli, Italy), was performed. We evaluated the oncological rates identified from April to September 2020 and compared with the precedents of the previous year. Results: The surgical percentage reported for malignant oncological diseases went from 10.46% and 11.37% in 2019 to 32.7% and 34.01% in 2020 for the Hospitals of Catania and Forli, respectively, despite the reduction of about 50% of general anesthesia for both health facilities. Conclusions: In light of the critical care issues, a reassessment of the oncological treatment paradigms in use, provided by evidence medicine and guidelines, and the development of new strategies to reshape operational protocols for head and neck cancer would be necessary.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The outbreak of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) made imperative the use of protective devices as a source control tool. As there is no definite antiviral treatment and effective vaccine, the only efficient means of protecting and mitigating infectious contagion has been the use of personal protective equipment, especially by healthcare workers. However, masks affect the humidification process of inhaled air, possibly leading to a basal inflammatory state of the upper airways. STUDY DESIGN: This is a single-center observational study conducted at the University Hospital of Catania from April 1, 2020, to June 31, 2020. METHODS: We analyzed the role of protective masks on the elimination of upper airways complaints in healthcare workers of the University Hospital of Catania. We evaluated 277 subjects through a self-administered 17 item questionnaire based on respiratory, work performance and health-related quality of life domains. RESULTS: A higher prevalence of nasal and ocular symptoms, perceived reduced work performance, difficulty in concentrating, and sleep disorders were found. After two weeks adhering to a list of good practices that we recommended, significant reversibility of the symptoms investigated and work performance enhancement were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Despite clinical complaints related to personal protective equipment, effective amelioration through usage rules is easily obtained. Given the essential use of protective masks, healthcare workers have to adhere to appropriate work and safety prevention rules.