The Effect of Pharyngeal Packing on Gastric Volume in Patients Undergoing Nasal Surgery: a Randomised, Controlled Trial

Overview

Journal J Laryngol Otol

Publisher Cambridge University Press

Specialty Otorhinolaryngology

Date 2023 Jun 8

PMID 37288512

Authors

Demet Altun

Tulay Ozkan-Seyhan

Mert Canbaz

Levent Aydemir

Dilek Altun

Huru Ceren Gokduman

Emre Camci

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Objective: To explore the effects of pharyngeal packing on antral cross-sectional area, gastric volume and post-operative complications.

Methods: In this prospective, randomised, controlled study, 180 patients were randomly assigned to a control group or a pharyngeal packing group. Gastric antral dimensions were measured with pre- and post-operative ultrasound scanning. Presence and severity of post-operative nausea and vomiting and sore throat were recorded.

Results: Post-operative antral cross-sectional area and gastric volume were significantly larger in the pharyngeal packing group compared to the control group. The incidence and severity of post-operative nausea and vomiting were significantly less in the pharyngeal packing group. More frequent and severe sore throat was observed in the control group within the ward. An increased Apfel simplified risk score and post-operative antral cross-sectional area were associated with post-operative nausea and vomiting during the first 2 hours, whereas septorhinoplasty and functional endoscopic sinus surgery, absent pharyngeal packing, and lower American Society of Anesthesiologists' physical status were associated with post-operative nausea and vomiting within the ward.

Conclusion: Regardless of operation type, pharyngeal packing use resulted in smaller gastric volume, which was associated with reduced post-operative nausea and vomiting frequency and severity, and lower sore throat incidence.

Citing Articles

The Role of Throat Packs in Orthognathic Surgery-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Saha M, Singh A, Pentapati K, Gadicherla S, Aramanadka C, Kudva A ScientificWorldJournal. 2025; 2025:9229475.

PMID: 39963654 PMC: 11832261. DOI: 10.1155/tswj/9229475.

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