Managing Head and Neck Cancer Patients with Tracheostomy or Laryngectomy During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Overview

Journal Head Neck

Specialties General Surgery
Oncology

Date 2020 Apr 17

PMID 32298035

Citations 30

Authors

Maxwell P Kligerman

Neelaysh Vukkadala

Raymond K Y Tsang

John B Sunwoo

F Christopher Holsinger

Jason Y K Chan

Edward J Damrose

Ann Kearney

Heather M Starmer

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Head and neck cancer patients with tracheostomies and laryngectomies, as well as their healthcare providers, face unique challenges in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic. This document consolidates best available evidence to date and presents recommendations to minimize the risks of aerosolization and SARS-CoV-2 exposures in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. The cornerstones of these recommendations include the use of closed-circuit ventilation whenever possible, cuffed tracheostomy tubes, judicious use of heat moisture exchange units, appropriate personal protective equipment for providers and patients, meticulous hand hygiene, and minimal manipulation of tracheostomy tubes.

Citing Articles

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Foran P, Benjamin 4th W, Sperry E, Best S, Boisen S, Bosworth B Am J Otolaryngol. 2023; 45(2):104179.

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Perceptions and practices of people with a total laryngectomy during COVID-19 pandemic: A mixed methods analysis.

Searl J, Genoa K, Fritz A, Kearney A, Pandian V, Brenner M Am J Otolaryngol. 2023; 45(2):104126.

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