Pediatric E.N.T. emergencies during COVID-19 pandemic: our experience

Our aim is to analyze effect of covid-19 pandemic in management of pediatric emergencies in E.N.T. and to provide recommendations for management of pediatric emergencies in E.N.T. during pandemic. In this retrospective study we included emergency pediatric cases required early intervention during covid-19 pandemic. Pre operative radiological investigation x-ray was done in all aero digestive foreign body patients. Pre operative HRCT neck and chest with virtual bronchoscopy in foreign body inhalation & compromised airway patients was done only in cases where patient’s clinical condition was stable. Similarly RT PCR for covid-19 screening done only in cases where patient’s clinical condition was stable. Adequate personal protective equipment was used during all the procedures. Total 29 Pediatric patients age ranging from 1 day to 13 years underwent procedures due to history of foreign body inhalation; ingestion, insertion and compromised airway in form of immediate endotracheal intubation were included. Comprehensively we recommend intervention only in emergency procedures during pandemic, use of personal protective equipment during all procedures, preoperative investigations for diagnosis and modifications in operation theatre, anesthesia and surgical techniques to reduce aerosols generation will minimize risk of infection transmission to health care workers.