The efficacy of a protective protocol for oral and maxillofacial surgery procedures in a COVID-19 pandemic area—results from 1471 patients

Abstract

Objective To examine the effectiveness of an empiric protection protocol during oral surgical treatments in a COVID-19 pandemic area and to evaluate the potential effect of postponed dental procedures on the frequency of facial infections during a lockdown period. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of a case series of a broad-spectrum of oral surgeries in a COVID-19 pandemic area. Data collection included patient age, type of procedure performed, and COVID-19 status of staff and patients. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results Between February 21 and April 23, 2020, 1471 patients were treated in the outpatient clinic (n=1404) and under general anesthesia (n=67). All procedures were carried out under a strict empiric protective protocol that included patient screening, personal protective equipment allocation protocol, frequent staff testing, and patient testing before general anesthesia. Treatments included emergency and urgent elective procedures. Only one staff member was confirmed positive for COVID-19 during routine weekly testing, and an independent epidemiologic investigation suggested he was likely infected outside of hospital facilities. Conclusions Our empiric protective protocol was found to be effective in preventing staff cross-infection with COVID-19 in an oral and maxillofacial surgery setting. Clinical relevance To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report that provides data regarding oral surgical activity in a COVID-19 pandemic area. Our suggested protective protocol may assist oral surgeons in continuing dental services in a safe manner.

Personal protection equipment for orthopaedic and trauma surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic: The results of an EFORT survey initiative

“…The above data also clearly show that existing PPE is not adequately designed for orthopaedic and trauma surgery; this is an open field for further improvement ( 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ). The limitations of PPE use have already been recognised in various surgical specialties ( 16 , 17 , 23 , 24 , 27 , 29 ) and may explain the relatively low level (60%) of compliance with their use found in our study for both orthopaedic surgeons and staff. A small number (15%) of respondents confirmed that they had used modified PPE due to either PPE shortages or in an attempt to reduce virus transmission during aerosol-generating orthopaedic procedures.…”

“…However, only half of them considered themselves informed about PPE for aerosol-generating orthopaedic procedures. The mechanism of COVID-19 virus transmission and the potential hazardous effects of aerosol-generating procedures for orthopaedic surgery ( 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ) and other surgical specialties ( 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 ) have been well documented. However, it seems that information relating to their use is lacking, and more importantly, the efficacy of available PPE has been unclear ( 29 ).…”

One year of COVID-19 pandemic: Health care workers’ infection rates and economical burden in medical facilities for oral and maxillofacial surgery

“…To prevent a high number HCW becoming COVID-19 positive, the implementation of personal protective protocols was essential. Although universal rules of social distancing (1,5 m) could be followed only to an extent in the context of close patient care, the wearing of masks, room ventilation, and sanitation protocols had to be strictly ensured ( Altermann et al, 2021 ; Jeffrey et al, 2020 ; Chu et al, 2020 ).…”

“…These included the use of gloves, masks, and goggles ( Nejatidanesh et al, 2013 ). Because of the COVID-19 outbreak, an expansion was established containing FFP2/3 masks and gowns ( Altermann et al, 2021 , Robert-Koch-Institut, Germany, 2021a , Robert-Koch-Institut, Germany, 2021b ; Bundesministerium für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte, 2021 ). However, data regarding the infection rates of HCWs as well as use and benefit of PPE in OMS facilities are sparse.…”

Can oral surgery be performed safely when COVID-19 status is unknown?

“…This paper presents the experience of an oral and maxillofacial surgery department in a pandemic region during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. 1 Despite limitations and significant methodological flaws, it offers insight into efforts to mitigate the risk of unknown transmission of COVID-19 and precautionary measures taken when performing oral surgery procedures from a period when there was little evidence for recommendations.…”