Innovations in otorhinolaryngology in the age of COVID‐19: A systematic literature review

Otolaryngologists are at increased occupational risk of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) infection due to exposure from respiratory droplets and aerosols generated during otologic, nasal, and oropharyngeal examinations and procedures. There have been a variety of guidelines and precautions developed to help mitigate this risk. While many reviews have focused on the personal protective equipment (PPE) and preparation guidelines for surgery in the COVID‐19 era, none have focused on the more creative and unusual solutions designed to limit viral transmission. This review aims to fill that need. PubMed, Ovid/Medline, and Scopus A comprehensive review of literature was performed on September 28, 2020 using PubMed, Ovid/Medline, and Scopus databases. All English‐language studies were included if they proposed or assessed novel interventions developed for Otolaryngology practice during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. A total of 41 papers met inclusion criteria and were organized into 5 categories (‘General Recommendations for Otolaryngologic Surgery’, ‘Equipment Shortage Solutions’, ‘Airway Procedures’, ‘Nasal Endoscopy and Skull Base Procedures’, and ‘Otologic Procedures’). Articles were summarized, highlighting the innovations created and evaluated during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Creative solutions such as application of topical viricidal agents, make‐shift mask filters, three‐dimensional (3‐D) printable adapters for headlights, aerosol containing separation boxes, and a variety of new draping techniques have been developed to limit the risk of COVID‐19 transmission. Persistent risk of COVID‐19 exposure remains high. Thus, there is an increased need for solutions that mitigate the risk of viral transmission during office procedures and surgeries, especially given that most COVID‐19 positive patients present asymptomatically. This review examines and organizes creative solutions that have been proposed and utilized in the otolaryngology. These solutions have a potential to minimize the risk of viral transmission in the current clinical environment and to create safer outpatient and operating room conditions for patients and healthcare staff.