Recommendations for performing tracheostomies in adult patients with COVID-19 (+) or suspicious

Abstract

Tracheostomy is an aerosol-generating procedure, which is particularly important during the COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, since it presents a significant risk of infection if we do not properly implement the necessary modifications to decrease aeroso- lization. As the number of infected patients increases, so will the demand for performing tracheostomies, therefore being prepared is fundamental. Every aspect of the procedure, from patient selection to postoperative care have significant modifications to allow for a safe surgery and follow-up, both for the patient and the health workers involved. In this article, a literature review of the available information until mid-april is performed and the main changes to consider before, during and after the surgery are described. Regar- ding the surgical technique, there is no clear consensus between open and percutaneous tracheostomy depending on the sources cited, but with the current modifications to both, they should be considered equivalent in the aerosolization generated, therefore the de- cision should be based on the local experience. Innovating in a technique in which the physician is unfamiliar is discouraged due to the potential risk of infection for everyone involved in the procedure in this type of patients.