Robotic Surgery in Otolaryngology During the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Safer Approach?

Abstract

The COVID-19 outbreak was announced a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020. The contagious nature of this virus to spread through droplets, puts the ENT surgeon at an added risk of exposure and infection, particularly while performing various aerosol generating procedures of the oral cavity and upper airway. While it is being recommended worldwide to postpone all elective surgeries to a later date, certain emergency procedures must be undertaken promptly but in a manner that minimizes the exposure of the surgeon and health care staff to the SARS-CoV-2. This article is meant to provide an insight into the possible role of robotic surgery in Otolaryngology and Head and Neck during the Covid-19 pandemic along with providing a brief review of its pros and cons.

Operating room air delivery design to protect patient and surgical site results in particles released at surgical table having greater concentration along walls of the room than at the instrument tray

“…23 With COVID-19, there is the additional consideration of exposure of the surgeon at the console to the patient. 6…”

“…1 Distancing is a theme of public conversation, 2 including during tracheal intubation and/or extubation, and other aerosol generating procedures, when personnel cannot safely or practically leave the room. [3][4][5][6][7] (See Google search at https://FDshort.com/WagnerAirParticles). Inside ORs, is exposure to pathologic airborne particles (eg, potentially SARS-CoV-2) less when people stand or sit farther from the patient?…”

“…Inside ORs, is exposure to pathologic airborne particles (eg, potentially SARS-CoV-2) less when people stand or sit farther from the patient? [3][4][5][6][7] When an anesthesiologist intubates or extubates the patient, or surgical smoke is produced, 8 would others in the room be safer by moving away (eg, complete their charting at a computer along a wall)?…”

Role of technology in COVID-19 pandemic

“… Medical procedures and surgeries : The contagious nature of COVID-19 put many medical experts at added risk while performing regular procedures and surgeries. As the virus easily spreads through mouth and droplets, the dentist, oncologist, and ENT surgeons [31] stand at front of the danger zone. Although, general-purpose procedures were postponed during the pandemic by almost every country effected but still emergencies need special attention.…”

Robots against the Coronavirus: the need for a new generation of robots to help global society

“…The idea is to have a robot monitoring, inspecting, and repairing the asset; most of the time the robot completes these tasks autonomously. However, when the robot needs help, telerobotics means that experts can promptly be present ( [19], [21], [22], [25]). Field engineers can promptly inspect and repair any asset, from anywhere in the world, via the resident robot system.…”