Q: If a dobhoff feeding tube is already in place, it can be used to decompress the stomach?
A) Yes
B) No
Answer: B
Feeding tubes are designed in a way that they have soft walls and collapse while suction is applied for decompression. A nasogastric tube (NGT) is a proper tube to decompress the stomach. Gastric decompression though sound simple has major implications besides control of vomiting, distension, and aspiration especially in post-operative abdominal surgical patients. It provides better healing of intestinal suture lines, prevents wound dehiscence and evisceration. It also decreases postoperative adhesive obstruction.
#procedure
#surgical-critical-care
Reference:
Blumenstein I, Shastri YM, Stein J. Gastroenteric tube feeding: techniques, problems and solutions. World J Gastroenterol. 2014 Jul 14;20(26):8505-24.
No comments:
Post a Comment