Survey on the Awareness of the Use of Oropharyngeal Throat Packs in Dental Anesthesia: An International Online Survey

Abstract

Introduction: Oropharyngeal throat packs (OPTPs) are frequently used to administer general anesthesia during oral surgery and dental procedures. However, the use of OPTPs has remained controversial, with concerns about their effectiveness, the potential for falling short of expectations, and the inherent risk of serious oversight in removing them. This study aimed to assess the awareness of dental anesthesiologists in the United States of America (USA) and Japan regarding the use of OPTPs. Methods: An online questionnaire was distributed to 41 dental anesthesia education facilities in May 2023 and responses were obtained from 32 facilities. Results: The responses to the questionnaire indicated that dental anesthesiologists in both the USA and Japan believe that using OPTPs during general anesthesia with airway securement is of significant importance, albeit with varying primary purposes for their application. In contrast, notable disparities were observed between the USA and Japan regarding the perceived importance and routine use of OPTPs during open-airway general anesthesia. In both countries, there is a common understanding that the residual risks of OPTPs are severe and that multiple preventive procedures are required. Conclusions: The present study showed that dental anesthesiologists in the USA and Japan believed that the use of OPTPs was generally necessary for dental anesthesia. However, there was a difference in awareness between Japan and the USA regarding the importance of OPTPs for open-airway general anesthesia. Therefore, there should be a consensus among dental anesthesiologists in Japan and the USA on using OPTPs during open-airway general anesthesia in the near future.