Two-drape closed pocket technique: minimizing aerosolization in mastoid exploration during COVID-19 pandemic

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2020 Dec;277(12):3529-3532. doi: 10.1007/s00405-020-06353-5. Epub 2020 Sep 10.

Abstract

Background: Mastoidectomy is associated with extensive bone-drilling which makes it a major aerosol generating procedure. Considering the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic, it is essential to devise methods to minimize aerosolization and hence ensure safety of the healthcare workers during the operative procedure.

Methods: Two disposable surgical drapes are used to create a closed pocket prior to commencement of mastoid bone-drilling. This limits aerosolization of bone-dust in the external operating theatre environment.

Conclusion: Two-drape closed pocket technique is an easy, cost-effective and safe method to limit aerosolization of tissue particles during mastoidectomy.

Keywords: COVID-19; Mastoidectomy; Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.

MeSH terms

  • Aerosols / adverse effects
  • Betacoronavirus
  • COVID-19
  • Coronavirus Infections / epidemiology
  • Coronavirus Infections / prevention & control
  • Coronavirus Infections / transmission*
  • Dust
  • Humans
  • Infection Control / methods*
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional / prevention & control*
  • Mastoid / surgery
  • Mastoidectomy
  • Operating Rooms / standards*
  • Otolaryngology / instrumentation
  • Otolaryngology / standards*
  • Pandemics / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Pandemics / prevention & control
  • Personal Protective Equipment / virology
  • Pneumonia, Viral / epidemiology
  • Pneumonia, Viral / prevention & control
  • Pneumonia, Viral / transmission*
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Surgical Equipment

Substances

  • Aerosols
  • Dust