nasogastric tube (NGT) placement (gastric intubation)

Introduction

Placement of a thin tube through the nasal passage, into the nasopharynx, through the esophagus & into the stomach.

Indications

• evaluation of upper GI bleed
• aspiration of gastric fluid content
  • poisoning
  • gastric acid secretion
    • gastrinoma
    • pernicious anemia
  • cytology for gastric cancer
• identification of the esophagus & stomach on a chest radiograph
• administration of radiographic contrast to the GI tract
• gastric decompression
• bowel rest in the setting of small-bowel obstruction
• administration of medication
• short-term enteral nutrition
• bowel irrigation

Procedure

• external measurement
  • nostril or ear to xiphisternum
• tube stiffened by ice water or stylet
• placement verified by
  • injecting air & auscultating
  • aspirating gastric acid
  • X-ray

Complications

• aspiration
• ulceration of nasal or esophageal tissues, leading to strictures
• discomfort from tube
• tube dislodgement
• erosions of gastric mucosa
• gastric distention
• diarrhea
• emesis
• aspiration pneumonia
• imposition of restraints

More general terms

• enteral tube

More specific terms

• nasogastric tube for upper GI hemorrhage

Additional terms

• enteral nutrition
• feeding tube
• gastric intubation
• nasojejunal tube