Exoscope-assisted Otologic Surgery During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Tu, Nathan; Bojrab, Dennis; Sioshansi, Pedrom; Lin, Kenny; Hong, Robert; Bojrab, Dennis; Babu, Seilesh

OBJECTIVE The recent COVID-19 pandemic has required careful reconsideration of safe operating room practices. We describe our initial experiences performing otologic surgery with the exoscope during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD The exoscope was used for several semiurgent otologic surgeries in combination with complete eye protection, a "tent" drape, a smoke evacuator with ultra-low particulate air filter, and betadine irrigation. These techniques are demonstrated in the accompanying video. This was compared with our experiences using the microscope. RESULTS The described modified goggles allowed complete eye protection while providing a fully three-dimensional view of the surgical site. The other safety measures described are simple and efficient techniques which can easily be adopted for otologic surgery using the microscope. CONCLUSION Use of the exoscope for otologic surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic allows full three-dimensional visualization of the surgical field while simultaneously providing complete eye protection. Use of the "tent" drape, ultra-low particulate air filter, and betadine irrigation are also options that otologic surgeons may consider for additional safety.