NASOINTESTINAL TUBE FOR DECOMPRESSION OR ENTEROCLYSIS - EXPERIENCE WITH 150 PATIENTS

The initial clinical experience with the use of a triple lumen long tu be designed for gastrointestinal decompression and enteroclysis is rep orted in 150 patients. Based on clinical observations, this tube is ef fective in suctioning retained gastric and intestinal fluid but requir es frequent irrigation of the sump port for effective decompression of distended small bowel. In all patients with a preexisting nasogastric tube, the replacement by the decompression/enteroclysis tube was cons idered more comfortable by the patients. Successful placement of the t ube in the jejunum was achieved in 147 of 150 consecutive patients on the initial attempt. The use of this tube obviates dual intubations fo r decompression and enteroclysis, the attendant discomfort on the pati ent, and it expedites subsequent performance of enteroclysis if needed . The complications reported with other long intestinal tubes were not observed with this device.