Head and neck surgical oncology in the time of a pandemic: Subsite‐specific triage guidelines during the COVID‐19 pandemic

Abstract

Background COVID‐19 pandemic has strained human and material resources around the world. Practices in surgical oncology had to change in response to these resource limitations, triaging based on acuity, expected oncologic outcomes, availability of supportive resources, and safety of healthcare personnel. Methods The MD Anderson Head and Neck Surgery Treatment Guidelines Consortium devised the following to provide guidance on triaging Head and Neck cancer (HNC) surgeries based on multidisciplinary consensus. HNC subsites considered included aerodigestive tract mucosa, sinonasal, salivary, endocrine, cutaneous, and ocular. Recommendations Each subsite is presented separately with disease‐specific recommendations. Options for alternative treatment modalities are provided if surgical treatment needs to be deferred. Conclusion These guidelines are intended to help clinicians caring for HNC patients appropriately allocate resources during a healthcare crisis, such as the COVID‐19 pandemic. We continue to advocate for individual consideration of cases in a multidisciplinary fashion based on individual patient circumstances and resource availability.