European archives of oto-rhino-laryngology : official journal of the European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) : affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
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Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol · Jun 2021
Meta AnalysisThe effect of dexamethasone on pain control after thyroid surgery: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
The effect of dexamethasone on postoperative pain after thyroid surgery remains controversial. We conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the influence of dexamethasone versus placebo on postoperative pain after thyroid surgery. ⋯ Perioperative dexamethasone is effective to reduce the pain, nausea and vomiting after thyroid surgery.
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Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol · Jun 2021
Multicenter Study Observational StudyOpen versus percutaneous tracheostomy in COVID-19: a multicentre comparison and recommendation for future resource utilisation.
The COVID-19 pandemic placed an unprecedented demand on critical care services for the provision of mechanical ventilation. Tracheostomy formation facilitates liberation from mechanical ventilation with advantages for both the patient and wider critical care resource, and can be performed using both percutaneous dilatational and surgical techniques. We compared outcomes in those patients undergoing percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy to those undergoing surgical tracheostomy and make recommendations for provision of tracheostomy services in any future surge. ⋯ In patients with COVID-19 pneumonitis that require tracheostomy to facilitate weaning from mechanical ventilation, there was no difference in outcomes between those patients that had percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy compared with those that had surgical tracheostomy. Planning for future surges in COVID-19-related critical care demands should utilise all available resource and expertise.
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Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol · Mar 2021
ReviewOtolaryngology in the COVID-19 pandemic era: the impact on our clinical practice.
To give an overview of the current knowledge about COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on otolaryngology clinical practice. ⋯ Knowledge and evidence about the impact of COVID-19 infection on otolaryngology clinical practice are accumulating rapidly. Additionally to patient's management, safety of health care professionals should be a main goal right now by following strict safety guidelines.
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Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol · Sep 2021
Short report on the effects of SARS-CoV-2 face protective equipment on verbal communication.
To predict the impact of face personal protective equipment on verbal communication during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. ⋯ The use of face personal protective equipment causes significant verbal communication issues. Healthcare workers, school-aged children, and people affected by voice and hearing disorders may represent specific at-risk groups for impaired speech intelligibility.
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Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol · Apr 2021
In vitro comparison of surgical techniques in times of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: electrocautery generates more droplets and aerosol than laser surgery or drilling.
Based on current knowledge, the SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted via droplet, aerosols and smear infection. Due to a confirmed high virus load in the upper respiratory tract of COVID-19 patients, there is a potential risk of infection for health care professionals when performing surgical procedures in this area. The aim of this study was the semi-quantitative comparison of ENT-typical interventions in the head and neck area with regard to particle and aerosol generation. These data can potentially contribute to a better risk assessment of aerogenic SARS-CoV-2-transmission caused by medical procedures. ⋯ Our results demonstrated clear differences comparing surgical model interventions. In contrast to sole mechanical stress with passive instruments, all active instruments (laser, drilling and electrocoagulation) released particles and aerosols. Assuming that particle and aerosol exposure is clinically correlated to the risk of SARS-CoV-2-transmission from the patient to the physician, a potential risk for health care professionals for infection cannot be excluded. Especially electrocautery is frequently used for emergency treatment, e.g., nose bleeding. The use of this technique may, therefore, be considered particularly critical in potentially infectious patients. Alternative methods may be given preference and personal protective equipment should be used consequently.