Flexible Laryngoscopy and COVID-19.

TitleFlexible Laryngoscopy and COVID-19.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2020
AuthorsRameau A, Young VVN, Amin MR, Sulica L
JournalOtolaryngol Head Neck Surg
Volume162
Issue6
Pagination813-815
Date Published2020 06
ISSN1097-6817
KeywordsBetacoronavirus, Coronavirus, Coronavirus Infections, COVID-19, Humans, Laryngoscopy, Pandemics, Pneumonia, Viral, SARS-CoV-2, United States
Abstract

Flexible laryngoscopy, the gold-standard evaluation of the larynx and the pharynx, is one of the most commonly performed procedures in otolaryngology. During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, flexible laryngoscopy represents a risk for patients and an occupational hazard for otolaryngologists and any clinic staff involved with the procedure or endoscope reprocessing. Here we present a set of recommendations on flexible laryngoscopy performance during the pandemic, including patient selection, personal protective equipment, and endoscope disinfection, based on a consensus reached during a virtual webinar on March 24, 2020, attended by approximately 300 participants from the American laryngology community.

DOI10.1177/0194599820921395
Alternate JournalOtolaryngol Head Neck Surg
PubMed ID32312166