Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Review
. 2007;11(1):201.
doi: 10.1186/cc5118.

Bench-to-bedside review: Routine postoperative use of the nasogastric tube - utility or futility?

Michèle Tanguy  1 , Philippe Seguin, Yannick Mallédant
Affiliations
Review

Bench-to-bedside review: Routine postoperative use of the nasogastric tube - utility or futility?

Michèle Tanguy et al. Crit Care. 2007.

Abstract

This article provides a summary of current information on rational postoperative use of the nasogastric tube, based on a review of literature related to postoperative gastrointestinal discomfort and management with the nasogastric tube. Routine gastric decompression after major surgery neither hastens the return of bowel function nor diminishes the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting. The multimodal postoperative rehabilitation programme is a modern and more efficient approach. Omission of nasogastric tube decompression does not increase the incidence of anastomotic leakage or wound dehiscence. Conversely, early enteral feeding is feasible and safe, favours local immunity and gut integrity, and improves nutritional status. With the objective to feeding, nasogastric tube could be used in selected patients. To conclude, use of the nasogastric tube to prevent or limit postoperative gastrointestinal discomfort must be challenged. In contrast to gastric decompression, early gastric feeding must be considered within the new concept of fast track surgery.

PubMed Disclaimer

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Mechanisms of postoperative gastrointestinal discomfort.
Figure 2
Figure 2
The balance between the benefits and detrimental effects of nasogastric tube. PONV, postoperative nausea and vomiting.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Similar articles

See all similar articles

Cited by

See all "Cited by" articles

References

    1. French WE. Intra-abdominal surgery without gastrointestinal decompression. J Tenn Med Assoc. 1966;59:767–768. - PubMed
    1. McIver MA, Benedict EB, Cline JW. Postoperative gaseous distention of the intestine. Arch Surg. 1926;13:588–604.
    1. Wells C, Tinckler L, Rawlinson K, Jones H, Saunders J. Postoperative gastrointestinal motility. Lancet. 1964;41:4–10. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(64)92156-7. - DOI - PubMed
    1. Gan T, Sloan F, Dear Gde L, El-Moalem HE, Lubarsky DA. How much are patients willing to pay to avoid postoperative nausea and vomiting? Anesth Analg. 2001;92:393–400. doi: 10.1097/00000539-200102000-00022. - DOI - PubMed
    1. Smith J, Kelly KA, Weinshilboum RM. Pathophysiology of postoperative ileus. Arch Surg. 1977;112:203–209. - PubMed

MeSH terms