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Clinical and surgical management of Head and Neck cancer patients
  • Laura Tricarico, MD
Laura Tricarico, MD
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo

Corresponding Author:albell@mdanderson.org

Author Profile

Abstract

Introduction For the ENT surgeon there are many challenges that show-up in the clinical management of a patient affected by a Head and Neck cancer during COVID-19 pandemic, especially in the postoperative period. Methods During the acute COVID-19 emergency phase in Italy, we analysed the management of a patient affected by a Head and Neck cancer. We reported several clinical data about the hospitalization period, pointing out the difficulties encountered both from clinical and management point of view. Results During pandemic, we admitted 27 oncological patients at our ENT department. Delays in surgical procedures, complications of hospitalizations, need for radiological studies and possible transfer to other hospital ward, due to suspect Sars-CoV-2 infection, were registered. Conclusions The changes in the whole health care system during the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted the management of head and neck cancer patients, generating several clinical challenges for the ENT surgeon.