Limitations
This study evaluated the current practice guidelines and recommendations
for tracheostomy during the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak to provide a collective
summary for otolaryngologists in this difficult time. However, we
acknowledge the inherent limitations of this study. Although we included
all published literature to date, this was limited only to those
published before March 31st, 2020. As more is learned about SARS-CoV-2
and more data becomes available, it is possible that the guidelines may
change or be altered as a result. Still, this is the most up-to-date
collection of clinical guidelines for tracheostomy with respect to the
SARS-CoV-2 outbreak available at this time. Further studies are needed
to determine the efficacy of these guidelines, and in order to establish
recommendations for similar viral epidemics in the future.