Survey of throat pack use: An oral surgery perspective. (1st April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dargue, Anna; Fyfe, Eithne
• Is Part Of: Oral surgery. Volume 15:Number 1(2022)
• Page Start: 4
• Page End: 10
• Publication Date: 2021-04-01
• Subjects: oral surgery -- patient safety -- throat pack; Mouth -- Surgery -- Periodicals; 617.522059
• DOI: 10.1111/ors.12602
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1752-2471

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: Previous national surveys highlighted variation in throat pack use, lack of team‐approach and poor adherence to safety processes. A recent review found no evidence supporting anaesthetist‐inserted throat packs. A survey of oral surgeons was undertaken to establish current practice. Materials and methods: Anonymous online questionnaire publicised via BAOS. Results: Fewer oral surgeons are placing throat packs routinely. There is a trend towards surgeons placing throat packs rather than anaesthetists. Four‐fifths of surgeons are following best safety processes: radio‐opaque material, throat pack from swab count, WHO 'sign out' check for removal. The increase in surgeons' view that they have responsibility for throat pack removal is consistent with more surgeons placing throat packs. Increase in surgeons' awareness of throat pack incidents. A quarter of surgeons cognisant of recent recommendations. Conclusions: Continued variation found in oral surgeons' use of throat packs. The decrease in routine throat pack use suggests increased decision‐making by surgeons. A change in practice from anaesthetists to surgeons inserting throat packs noted. It appears this change is driven by anaesthetists, given the lack of knowledge of recent recommendations by oral surgeons. A striking improvement in adherence to safety processes observed. No adoption of team‐approach to throat pack use. It is vital now to establish an evidence‐base for throat pack use during oral surgical procedures.