Throat Packs

This Safer Practice Notice applies to all members of theatre teams and aims to reduce the risk of throat packs being retained after surgery is completed.

Throat packs are often inserted by anaesthetists or surgeons to:

• absorb material created by surgery in the mouth;
• prevent fluids or material from entering the oesophagus or lungs;
• prevent escape of gases from around tracheal tubes; and
• stabilise artificial airways.

However, if a throat pack is retained after surgery is completed, it can lead to obstruction of the patient's airways.

Data received by the Reporting and Learning System between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2007 were analysed. Thirty-eight incidents were identified, of which 24 were unintended retention of throat packs; one resulting in moderate harm. Further incidents were identified from a literature search and through professional networks.

Clinical risk managers responsible for anaesthesia and surgery should ensure that local policies and procedures are adapted to state that:

• The decision to use a throat pack should be justified by the anaesthetist or surgeon for each patient. This person should assume responsibility for ensuring the chosen safety procedures are undertaken.
• At least one visually-based and one documentary-based procedure is applied whenever a throat pack is deemed necessary.
• All staff are fully informed of the chosen procedures.