Challenges in the management of ENT foreign bodies during COVID-19 Pandemic - Experience at a tertiary care centre.

Abstract

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has put unprecedented challenges on the medical community. ENT surgical procedures are associated with very high risk of transmission of the virus due to aerosol generation. Management of ENT emergencies due to foreign bodies during ongoing COVID-19 was challenging. This is a prospective study done in our tertiary care centre from March 2020 to June 2020, during COVID-19 pandemic, where patients were referred from primary health facility after unsuccessful attempt. The challenges encountered in the management of these cases, precautions taken and protocols followed are being discussed. The foreign bodies should be removed by trained personnel using Personal Protective Equipment taking all precautions to minimize aerosol generating procedures and limit the length of these procedures whenever possible. Additionally, the use of povidone-iodine in varying concentrations is emphasized in reducing the viral load in the aerodigestive tract, thus proving to be safe to both the patients and the treating doctors.

Foreign bodies injuries during COVID-19 Pandemic. The preventible traumas / Lesões por corpos estranhos durante a Pandemia da COVID-19. Os traumas evitáveis

“…Professional who are in contact with the patients' upper aerodigestive pathways are at a high risk of contamination by inhalation of aerosols and droplet contamination. All patients should be screened for COVID-19, They should have been asked about cough, nasal obstruction, cold, headache, ageusia anosmia, fever, positive contact on recent travels [5]. The FBs injuries can cause physical and emotional disorders in the patient and the family members.…”