Retained throat packs: results of a national survey and the application of an organisational accident model.

Abstract

Throat packs are commonly placed in the patient's pharynx before oral surgical procedures under general anaesthesia.

The pack is thought to protect the airways from aspiration of surgical debris, but if it is retained after extubation it can obstruct the airway.

Adverse incidents after retention of throat packs have been reported anecdotally, but to our knowledge the risk management practices undertaken and common events surrounding retention of throat packs, have not been published before.

We investigated the management of throat packs in 2007, by sending a questionnaire to maxillofacial surgeons and anaesthetists in the UK. We discuss the results and apply them to an organisational accident model.

Full Text

• DOI - The British journal of oral & maxillofacial surgery (DOI)
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Subjects

• Anesthesiology
• Dental Service, Hospital
• Foreign Bodies
• Great Britain
• Humans
• Operating Room Nursing
• Oral Surgical Procedures
• Pharynx
• Questionnaires
• Risk Management
• Surgery, Oral
• Surgical Sponges

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Authors

• G J Knepil
• C W Blackburn

Publication date

2008-08-18

Journal

Journal topics

• Surgery, Oral

Language

Eng.

Copyright

The British journal of oral & maxillofacial surgery

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, York Hospital, Wigginton Rd, York, YO31 8HE, United Kingdom. gregknepil [at] mac.com

Release reference

Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2008 Sep;46(6):473-6

Related books

• Books of Anesthesiology
• Books of Dental Service, Hospital
• Books of Foreign Bodies
• Books of Great Britain
• Books of Operating Room Nursing
• Books of Oral Surgical Procedures
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• Books of Questionnaires
• Books of Risk Management
• Books of Surgery, Oral
• Books of Surgery, Oral
• Books of Surgical Sponges