Publication:

Early removal versus conventional removal of nasogastric tube after abdominal surgery: a prospective randomized controlled study

Background Post-operative nasogastric decompression was introduced by Levin’s in 1926 and is intended to drain secretions and gas from the upper gastro-intestinal tract, thereby reducing vomiting, abdominal distension, abdominal discomfort, to prevent anastamotic leak and wound dehiscence.

Methods The current study was carried among all patients of abdominal surgeries that were conducted in S.N. Medical College and H.S.K. Hospital and Research Centre, Bagalkot, Karnataka, India. Among the total sample of 100 cases, patients undergoing abdominal surgeries nasogastric output, absence of emesis and no increasing abdominal discomfort were randomized into two groups.

Results In the current study majority of the patients (79%) were in the age group of 21 - 60 years and male to female ratio is 2.3:1. The patients in study group tolerated the first feed earlier as compared to the control group. The mean duration of hospital stay was 8 days for study group and 10.5 days for control group (p=<0.0001).

Conclusions That it is safe to remove nasogastric tube early (within 24 hours) in patients undergoing abdominal surgeries. Early nasogastric tube removal and early oral feeding thus follows the principle of achieving anatomical and physiological continuity heralding early recovery.