Surgeon-performed ultrasound-guided head and neck procedures during COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background The ultrasonographic procedure is a common diagnostic and therapeutic method in daily medical practice. Surgeon-performed ultrasound (SUS) has been gaining popularity, especially during this COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Two ENT surgeons performed US-guided diagnostic or therapeutic procedures in the outpatient clinic. A successful SUS is defined as the diagnostic procedure's ability to facilitate the final histopathological diagnosis that can guide the subsequent treatment and disease resolution following the therapeutic procedure without the need for more invasive open surgical intervention. Results Out of 10 participants, 6 are males, and 4 are females. There were no complications noted. All subjects had successful tissue sampling or intervention on the first attempt for diagnostic and therapeutic SUS. Conclusions With COVID-19, there has been a significant shift in ordinary medical practice. SUS is proven to be a safe and effective method to facilitate the management of head and neck pathologies.