nasogastric tube (NGT) placement (gastric intubation)
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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
- 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 < 1 week)
- short-term enteral nutrition (< 1 week)
- 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 distension
- diarrhea
- emesis
- aspiration pneumonia
- imposition of restraints
More general terms
More specific terms
Additional terms
References
- ↑ Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 14th ed. Fauci et al (eds), McGraw-Hill Inc. NY, 1998, pg 479
- ↑ Shlamovitz GZ eMedicine (Medscape): Nasogastric Tube http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/80925-overview