Survey of throat pack use: An oral surgery perspective

AbstractAimPrevious 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 methodsAnonymous online questionnaire publicised via BAOS.ResultsFewer 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.ConclusionsContinued 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 anaes