Principles of qualification and surgical treatment of the nose and paranasal sinuses in the era of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic is one of the greatest challenges in modern medicine. Despite the implemented social and economic restrictions, the epidemiological situation is still dynamic. Otolaryngologists (especially rhinologists), are a group of doctors particularly exposed to SARS-CoV-2 infection. In order to limit the spread of the virus, it is necessary to implement procedures that minimize the risk of infection of medical personnel and patients. Due to the location of the virus, it is very important in relation to rhinological procedures and operations. The authors reviewed the literature on this topic and presented effective methods to reduce the likelihood of virus transmission during nasal and paranasal sinus surgery used in our center. It is important that pandemic limitations do not affect the duration of diagnosis and initiation of cancer treatment. Neoplasms of the nasal region and paranasal sinuses are detected relatively late due to the time of symptom onset, and further delays in the onset of the therapeutic process are extremely unfavorable. We are of the opinion that rhinological procedures, especially in patients with unknown epidemiological status, should be limited to the necessary minimum - life-threatening conditions and resection of malignant neoplasms. Even in these cases, however, strict adherence to procedures is necessary to reduce the risk of virus transmission. We hope that the implementation of the guidelines presented in the following paper will help in the fight against the current pandemic and its subsequent waves.