title: The relative merits of temporary gastrostomy and nasogastric suction of the stomach.
abstract: Nasogastric suction is usually employed for gastric decompression because of its ease of application. However, it is associated with greater discomfort and more complications than temporary gastrostomy, especially in the young, the elderly, those who smoke, and those in whom prolonged decompression is necessary.
mesh_terms: D000005:Abdomen / Q000601:surgery; D005751:Gastric Lavage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D005774:Gastrostomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000517:prevention & control; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D013396:Suction / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*