Recommendations on the use of throat packs in adult patients. A systematic review and consensus document

Abstract

The insertion of throat packs is a procedure commonly performed by anaesthetists for dental, maxillofacial, nasal or upper airway surgery. However, the evidence supporting this practice is unclear. The aim of this article is to answer the following question: Is there enough evidence about the insertion of throat packs by anaesthetists?

Consequently, the authors conducted a systematic review and literature search and they could find no study that sought to assess the benefit of their insertion by anaesthetists. Instead, there were many reports of minor and mayor complications and many descriptions of how to avoid them.

As a result of these findings, the authors no longer recommend the routine insertion of throat packs by anaesthetist but advise caution and careful consideration. A protocol for pack insertion is presented.