Aerosol-generating procedures, how best did anesthesiologists use available personal protective equipment during early COVID-19 pandemic in a tertiary care center of southern India? A prospective cross-sectional study.

Background And Aims: Anesthesiologists are involved in high-risk procedures for transmission of SARS-CoV-2 like aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs). The present study was conducted to assess the compliance toward the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and proposed modifications in anesthesia techniques to prevent dissemination of the virus among healthcare workers.

Material And Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and included all elective surgeries involving AGPs inside operation theatres and remote areas.