Tracheostomy in a patient with severe acute respiratory syndrome.
The coronavirus which causes severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a virulent and highly contagious organism. Of the 1755 SARS patients in Hong Kong, over 400 were healthcare workers. Meticulous attention to infection control and teamwork are essential to minimize cross-contamination and prevent staff from contracting the illness. These points are especially pertinent when anaesthetizing SARS patients for high-risk procedures such as tracheostomy. We describe the management of such a case.
Kwan
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A
Department of Anaesthesiology, United Christian Hospital, 130 Hip Wo Street, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong SAR. annekwan@cuhk.edu.hk
Fok
W G
WG
Law
K I
KI
Lam
S H
SH
D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods*; D017758:Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D045169:Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome / Q000601:surgery* / Q000635:transmission; D014139:Tracheostomy