The use of nasogastric tubes after abdominal surgery--a criteria audit.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the use of nasogastric tubes after gastrointestinal surgery.


METHODS
Prospective criteria audit.


RESULTS
In this study, 32.5% of patients (65/200) undergoing laparotomy had a nasogastric tube inserted during the perioperative period. Of these patients, 20% vomited whilst the tube was in situ and there was a poor correlation between the volumes of fluid aspirated and the timing of tube removal. These results suggest that nasogastric tubes were inserted too often and then left in situ for too long.
Hall
J C
JC
University Department of Surgery, Royal Perth Hospital.
Mander
J
J
el Saleh
H
H
Archer
C
C
Fermanis
M
M
Britto
A
A
D000005:Abdomen / Q000601:surgery*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007441:Intubation, Gastrointestinal / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D008485:Medical Audit; D008875:Middle Aged; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011446:Prospective Studies