Endonasal instrumentation and aerosolization risk in the era of COVID ‐19: simulation, literature review, and proposed mitigation strategies

ConclusionWe confirm that aerosolization presents a risk to the endonasal skull base surgeon. In the outpatient setting, use of a barrier significantly reduces aerosol spread. Cold surgical instrumentation and microdebrider use pose significantly less aerosolization risk than a high ‐speed drill. Procedures requiring drill use should carry a special designation as an “aerosol‐generating surgery” to convey this unique risk, and this supports the need for protective personal protective equipment.

Source: International Forum of Allergy and Rhinology - May 21, 2020 Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Alan D. Workman, D. Bradley Welling, Bob S. Carter, William T. Curry, Eric H. Holbrook, Stacey T. Gray, George A. Scangas, Benjamin S. Bleier Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research