open access
Application of the nasogastric tube in patients undergoing surgery due to perforation of the gastrointestinal tract
open access
Abstract
Material and methods: During the years 2004-2007, 61 patients (19 women and 42 men) aged from 15-86 years (mean 52.35) underwent an operation because of perforation of the gastrointestinal tract. Before the surgical procedure a nasogastric intubation was performed. The tube was left in until gastrointestinal functions had returned (from 2 to 11 days, an average of 4.1 days). In order to assess the possible impact of nasogastric intubation on postsurgical complications during the postoperative period, the capacity of nasogastric contents and the number of deaths were evaluated.
Results: 63% of nasogastric tubes were removed on the 3rd and 4th postoperative day. Postoperative complications related to alimentary tract perforation or the surgically-performed procedure were observed in 5 cases (8.1%). Among observed postoperative complications, wound suppuration, eventration and anastomosis dehiscence took place during the time when a nasogastric tube was maintained in all patients.
Conclusions: The application of a nasogastric tube has a limited influence on postoperative complication prevention in patients undergoing surgical treatment due to gastro-duodenal perforation. It is necessary to further investigate this issue to find the group of patients presenting the greatest benefits related to nasogastric tube maintenance after such surgical procedures.
Abstract
Material and methods: During the years 2004-2007, 61 patients (19 women and 42 men) aged from 15-86 years (mean 52.35) underwent an operation because of perforation of the gastrointestinal tract. Before the surgical procedure a nasogastric intubation was performed. The tube was left in until gastrointestinal functions had returned (from 2 to 11 days, an average of 4.1 days). In order to assess the possible impact of nasogastric intubation on postsurgical complications during the postoperative period, the capacity of nasogastric contents and the number of deaths were evaluated.
Results: 63% of nasogastric tubes were removed on the 3rd and 4th postoperative day. Postoperative complications related to alimentary tract perforation or the surgically-performed procedure were observed in 5 cases (8.1%). Among observed postoperative complications, wound suppuration, eventration and anastomosis dehiscence took place during the time when a nasogastric tube was maintained in all patients.
Conclusions: The application of a nasogastric tube has a limited influence on postoperative complication prevention in patients undergoing surgical treatment due to gastro-duodenal perforation. It is necessary to further investigate this issue to find the group of patients presenting the greatest benefits related to nasogastric tube maintenance after such surgical procedures.
Keywords
nasogastric tube; peptic ulcer disease; perforation of the gastrointestinal tract


Title
Application of the nasogastric tube in patients undergoing surgery due to perforation of the gastrointestinal tract
Journal
Chirurgia Polska (Polish Surgery)
Issue
Pages
81-87
Published online
2008-10-21
Bibliographic record
Chirurgia Polska 2008;10(2):81-87.
Keywords
nasogastric tube
peptic ulcer disease
perforation of the gastrointestinal tract
Authors
Renata Popik
Maciej Zaniewski
Eugeniusz Majewski
Dawid Hadasik
Łukasz Noras