PROPHYLACTIC NASOGASTRIC TUBE DECOMPRESSION - IS ITS USE JUSTIFIED

To evaluate the need for routine prophylactic nasogastric tube decompr ession following gastrointestinal surgery, we retrospectively reviewed the cases of 177 patients. The patients were classified as those not receiving nasogastric tubes, those whose tubes were removed within 48 hours postoperatively, and those whose tubes remained for more than 48 hours. No significant differences were noted in duration of hospital stay, time for return of adequate bowel function, or time before begin ning an oral diet. Further, there were no differences in the frequency of wound complications, anastomotic leakage, or mortality. Patients w ithout tubes had no greater incidence of vomiting, and despite a more frequent occurrence of abdominal distention and nausea, only 8% requir ed insertion of a tube for persistent symptoms. Intubated patients had a greater frequency of respiratory complications. The results indicat e that routine prophylactic use of nasogastric decompression is unnece ssary and may be safely eliminated in patients having gastrointestinal surgery.