The benefits of hypopharyngeal packing in nasal surgery: a pilot study

Abstract

Based on our findings, the authors recommend against placing hypopharyngeal packs for the purpose of preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting.

Use of pharyngeal packs in functional endoscopic sinus surgery: A randomized controlled trial

“…The main premise for the use of pharyngeal packs in sinus surgery theoretically is to prevent ingestion of blood products to reduce postoperative nausea and vomiting. Our study found that the placement of a pharyngeal pack did not reduce PONV, as has been found in the literature . Our findings suggest that there is no need to place a pharyngeal pack to prevent nausea/vomiting in patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery.…”

“…The literature is at times conflicting and inconclusive on whether pharyngeal packs have an effect on postoperative pain and PONV. Previous studies have found that pharyngeal packs are associated with increased postoperative pain, whereas other studies reported no difference in pain postoperatively . The most recent randomized controlled trials in the Unites States by Korkut and Fennessey reported no difference in pain postoperatively with or without the placement of a throat pack.…”

“…By decreasing the ingestion of blood products, it is presumed that pharyngeal packs can decrease the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). However, studies have failed to adequately demonstrate that pharyngeal packs decrease postoperative nausea and vomiting …”

“…It suggested that further studies be done to confirm best practice techniques . Since that time, two prospective, randomized, controlled, double‐blinded studies have been published in the literature . Both studies concluded that pharyngeal packs have no effect on pain or PONV.…”

“…However, the authors concluded that postoperative pain was higher in the pharyngeal pack group. This was in contrast to the findings of Korkut et al and Fennessey et al that there was no difference in pain between the groups. A major weakness to the Iranian study is that the authors included a variety of otolaryngologic surgeries and not just FESS.…”