Impact of COVID 19 on Rhinology Practice: The Way Forward

Abstract

Introduction COVID-19 has been labelled as pandemic that has spread across many countries in 2020. Otorhinolaryngologists are considered high risk for contracting disease, as the virus resides in the nasal cavity,nasopharynx, and oropharynx. There is an urgent need of safety measures regarding rhinologic practice that need to be clarified both for the current epidemic as well as for future expected “waves”. In this study significant decline was seen in patients viewed physically during pandemic. Nasal endoscopy also became rarer with maximum rhinologists preferring RTPCR before any procedure. Imaging was substituted for endoscopy frequently to adhere to safety protocols relating to OPD rhinologic procedures. We need to discuss these aspects of rhinology as well as practical concerns relating to telemedicine, as these issues take on increasing importance for Rhinologists both in the present and the future. Material and Methods A 27 question survey was designed to assess the present scenario of rhinology practise. The survey was electronically transmitted to rhinologists from 1st November 2020 and their responses were recorded. Result A total of 117 rhinologists responded to the survey. There was significant drop in the number of patients seen by each specialist in the Covid era. There was significant reduction in the number of diagnostic nasal endoscopies performed in clinic daily by the specialists. This study provides an overview of how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected Rhinologic practice. Conclusion Rhinologists need to develop standardized guidelines for their practise. These include protocols pertinent to safety, the substitution of imaging for endoscopy when appropriate, RTPCR test prior to rhinologic procedures, donning of proper PPE and liberal use of telemedicine.