Endoscopic Removal of a Retained Throat Pack: A Profound Lesson

Abstract

Throat packing/pharyngeal packing is typically applied in all oral and maxillofacial surgeries. It prevents the entry of saliva, blood, disinfectant, other liquids, and oral foreign objects (brackets) into the trachea or esophagus. The retention of throat packing results in severe complications such as airway obstruction and digestive tract symptoms. We present a case of postextubation throat pack ingestion. The pack was identified and retrieved successfully from the gastrointestinal tract.