Evidence Review/Data sources/ Study appraisal and synthesis
methods
A search of published works on tracheotomy, tracheostomy, COVID-19,
novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 was performed on PubMed/MEDLINE/Cochrane
Library. Articles relevant to the practice of tracheotomy on patients
with COVID-19 were selected, then reviewed and divided into 4 key
categories: 1) Personal protective equipment (PPE) in COVID-19 positive
patients, 2) Adjunctive airway management measures before definitive
intervention in COVID-19 positive patients; 3) Timing of tracheotomy in
COVID-19 positive patients; and 4) Perioperative considerations in
performing tracheotomy in COVID-19 positive patients.