Major head and neck reconstruction during the COVID-19 pandemic: The University of Pittsburgh approach

Head Neck. 2020 Jun;42(6):1243-1247. doi: 10.1002/hed.26207. Epub 2020 Apr 27.

Abstract

The 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has created significant challenges to the delivery of care for patients with advanced head and neck cancer requiring multimodality therapy. Performing major head and neck ablative surgery and reconstruction is a particular concern given the extended duration and aerosolizing nature of these cases. In this manuscript, we describe our surgical approach to provide timely reconstructive care and minimize infectious risk to the providers, patients, and families.

Keywords: COVID-19; coronavirus; head and neck reconstruction; microvascular.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Academic Medical Centers
  • COVID-19
  • Clinical Decision-Making
  • Coronavirus Infections / epidemiology*
  • Coronavirus Infections / prevention & control
  • Disease Transmission, Infectious / prevention & control*
  • Female
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / pathology
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Interdisciplinary Communication
  • Male
  • Neck Dissection / methods
  • Occupational Health
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care*
  • Pandemics / prevention & control
  • Pandemics / statistics & numerical data*
  • Patient Safety
  • Patient Selection
  • Pennsylvania
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / methods*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / epidemiology*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / prevention & control
  • Postoperative Care / methods
  • Preoperative Care / methods
  • Risk Assessment
  • Surgical Flaps / transplantation