YO-IFOS Guidelines for Pediatric ENT Surgery during COVID-19: An Overview of Recommendations

Abstract

Objective/hypothesis: To review the literature on pediatric ENT COVID-19 guidelines worldwide, in particular, surgical practice during the pandemic, and to establish a comprehensive set of recommendations.

Study design: Review.

Methods: A comprehensive literature review through an independent electronic search of the COVID-19 pandemic in PubMed, Medline, Google, and Google Scholar was performed on April 26-30, 2020. Resources identified comprised of published papers, national and international pediatric ENT society guidelines.

Results: Fourteen guidelines fit the inclusion criteria. Key statements were formulated and graded: 1) Strong recommendation (reported by 9 or more/14); 2) Fair recommendation (7-8/14); 3) Weak recommendation (5-6/14); and 4) Expert opinion (2-4/14). Any single source suggestion was included as a comment. Highly scored recommendations included definition of urgent/emergent cases that required surgery; surgery for acute airway obstruction; prompt diagnosis of suspected cancer; and surgical intervention for sepsis following initial first-line medical management. Other well scored recommendations included senior faculty to perform the surgery; the use of open approaches rather than endoscopic ones; and avoidance of powered instruments that would aerosolize virus-loaded tissue. A tracheostomy should be performed on a case by case basis where key technical modifications become necessary.

Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic will have a profound short and long-term impact on pediatric ENT practice. During this rapidly evolving climate, guidelines have been based on local practice and expert opinion. Until evidence-based practice in the COVID era is established, a comprehensive set of recommendations for pediatric ENT surgical practice based on a review of currently available literature and guidelines, is therefore, appropriate. Laryngoscope, 131:1876-1883, 2021.

Keywords: COVID-19; ENT surgery; SARS CoV-2; clinical guidelines; p(a)ediatric otolaryngology.