Tracheotomy in COVID-19 Positive Patients - “New Normal” Workflow of Tracheotomy in the Era of SARS/COVID-19 Pandemic A Systematic Review (preprint)

ABSTRACT

Introduction: With the COVID-19 pandemic, a “new normal” on how surgeons and intensivists perform tracheotomy in COVID-19 patients is essential. We aim to summarize the recommendations and present the supporting evidence of these recommendations. Methods A search of published works on tracheotomy, tracheostomy, COVID-19, novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 was performed on PubMed/MEDLINE/Cochrane Library. Articles relevant to the practice of tracheotomy on patients with COVID-19 were selected. The articles were then reviewed and divided into 4 key categories 1) Personal protective equipment (PPE) in COVID-19 positive patients, 2) Adjunctive measures of airway management before definitive intervention in COVID-19 positive patients; 3) Timing of tracheotomy in COVID-19 positive patients; and 4) Perioperative considerations in performing tracheotomy in COVID-19 positive patients. Results and key points Firstly, enhanced PPE is recommended during tracheotomy of COVID-19 positive patients. Secondly, adjunctive airway management before definitive intervention includes the use of high flow nasal cannulas (HFNC). Thirdly, non-invasive ventilation via continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) machines are not recommended. Fourth, the general consensus suggests that timing of tracheotomy should be at least 10 days after intubation. Finally, percutaneous dilatational tracheotomy (PDT) is likely to be associated with a lower risk of transmission of the virus to healthcare workers (HCW) than a surgical tracheotomy (ST). Other key precautions would include minimizing the use of diathermy. Conclusions The “new normal” workflow summarizes the ideal recommendations across published societal guidelines. Enhanced PPE should be recommended whenever possible. Adjunctive measures before definitive intervention of COVID-19 patients should be limited to the use of HFNC, and CPAP/BiPAP should be avoided. Tracheotomy should be performed after 10 days, although the long term sequelae of tracheal stenosis and pulmonary fibrosis should be ascertained with this approach.