Comparison of flange slide pack technique using macintosh laryngoscope blade with conventional laryngoscopy-guided throat packing: A pilot study

Context: An analytical pilot study was conducted prospectively to ascertain the efficacy of a new method of throat packing “Flange Slide Pack Technique” (FSPT) in patients undergoing nasal, faciomaxillary, and oral surgeries. Aim: To compare the conventional technique of throat packing guided by direct laryngoscopy with FSPT where the Macintosh laryngoscope blade is used as aid for throat packing. Settings and Design: A comparative observational pilot study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital. Subjects and Methods: Subjects were randomly allocated into two groups based on the technique for throat packing by computer-generated random numbers as Group A (conventional technique) and Group B (FSPT). Primary outcomes measured were total time duration taken for packing the throat with a standardized length of ribbon gauze and changes in heart rate and change in Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) from baseline. Secondary outcomes measured were incidence of postoperative sore throat (POST) at 6 h postoperatively and ease of insertion of the throat packs. Statistical Analysis: Parametric data were analyzed using “unpaired t-test.” Comparison of proportions and data were analyzed using Chi-square test. SPSS Version 17 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) was used for statistical analysis. Results: The time taken to pack the throat was shorter in Group B; percentage increase of MAP from baseline was higher in Group A. Ease of insertion of throat pack was more in Group B. POST results were insignificant. Conclusions: FSPT can prove to be an alternative technique to the conventional method of packing the throat by minimizing duration of laryngoscopy and thereby limiting the stress response