Office Procedures
- Fiberoptic Laryngoscopy, Nasal Endoscopy, Transoral and Transnasal
biopsies.
- During the surge leading up to and the apogee of the COVID-19
Disease Incidence Curve
- If a staging laryngoscopy under anesthesia is planned and there is
a question about the safety of standard intubation, it is
suggested that the Fiberoptic Laryngoscopy be deferred and be done
with the patient in the operating room just prior to anesthesia so
that the surgical and anesthesia team can formulate an appropriate
plan concerning safe intubation. For the duration of the COVID-19
pandemic we do not recommend screening bronchoscopy be performed
at the time of staging endoscopy.
- Later in the COVID-19 Disease Incidence Curve when Routine Office
Visits have Resumed
- Fiberoptic laryngoscopy and nasal endoscopy can be done at the
discretion of the attending physician.
- No anesthetizing the nasal or oral cavity with sprays.
- Topical application of pledgets impregnated with Afrin and
lidocaine may be used, instead.
- Local anesthetic injection may be performed for transoral or
transnasal biopsies.
- The use of N95 mask, goggles, gloves and gown is required for all
patients.
- When testing is available, it is recommended that all patients
undergoing potentially aerosol generating procedures (e.g.
Fiberoptic laryngoscopy and Nasal Endoscopy) undergo COVID-19
testing within 72 hours of the procedure.
- Fine Needle Aspiration
- Standard garb including mask, goggles and gloves is suggested.