TY - JOUR ID - TI - Abdominal Operations without Nasogastric tube :A major advance inmodern surgery AU - Muqdad F.A. Al-karim AU - Safa M. Al-Obaidi AU - Salem A.H. Al-Sarraf PY - 2008 VL - 50 IS - 3 SP - 303 EP - 307 JO - Journal of the Faculty of Medicine Baghdad مجلة كلية الطب SN - 00419419 24108057 AB - Background: Routine use of nasogastric tubes, after abdominal operations, is intended to
hasten the return of bowel function, prevent pulmonary complications, diminish the risk of
anastomotic leakage, increase patient comfort and shorten hospital stay. Aim of this study is to
evaluate the efficacy of routine nasogastric decompression after abdominal surgery, in
achieving each of the above goals.
Patients and methods:Two hundred and twelve patients having abdominal operations of any
type, emergency and elective have been followed prospectively over a period of three years (1st

December 2004 until end of December 2007) in Baghdad teaching hospital. Patients were
randomized into two groups. Group 1 had nasogastric tube inserted and kept in place until
intestinal function has returned. Group 2 had no nasogastric tube or immediately removed at
the end of the operation. Excluded from the study , were laparoscopic surgeries , gastric and
duodenal surgeries.
Results: There was earlier return of bowel function and shorter hospital stay in the non tube
group. There were no significant statistical differences concerning the occurrence of
postoperative vomiting, pulmonary complications, anastamotic leakage and wound dehisence.
Conclusions: Routine nasogastric decompression does not accomplish any of its intended
goals and so should be abandoned in favor of selective use of nasogastric tube.

ER -