Recommendations for Performing Bronchoscopy in Times of the COVID-19 Pandemic - Update 12/2020

Abstract

The SARS-CoV-19 pandemic continues to be globally related with significant morbidity and mortality, making protective measures to prevent transmission of the virus still necessary. Healthcare employees are exposed to a higher risk of infection and this is particularly true when performing aerosol-generating procedures such as bronchoscopy. Since the publication of recommendations for performing a bronchoscopy in the times of COVID-19 more than six months ago, the risk situation has not changed significantly, but due to the considerable gain in knowledge in the meantime, an update of the recommendations was necessary. The updated recommendations include the reduction of aerosol formation, the personal protection of the people involved in the procedure, as well as measures to better organize the processes in the endoscopy suite in order to perform bronchoscopic procedures securely even in times of COVID-19.