
As the case numbers of COVID-19 have increased worldwide, it has become more apparent that the elevated viral load in the upper aerodigestive tract mucosa not only affects skull base surgery but essentially all diagnostic and therapeutic intranasal procedures that are routinely part of the scope of practice for Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeons [1]. A literature review of the current evidence regarding rhinologic surgery yielded several national position statements and recommendations. These were primarily composed of consensus expert opinion based on relatively small series as well as application from experiences with other similar diseases. The aim of this document is to summarize the current evidence and provide expert consensus recommendations surrounding the pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative care for rhinology and skull base patients in the setting of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic. As well, these recommendations endeavour to provide general principles ranging from triaging of cases, pre-operative COVID-19 screening, personal protection equipment (PPE) use to general and specific precautions in the operating room as well as practical tips of intra-operative maneuvers to optimize patient and provider safety while providing a high level of patient care.
