Digital assistance of nasogastric tube insertion in intubated patients under general anesthesia: A single-blinded prospective randomized study

Abstract

Background:Nasogastric tube (NGT) insertion may pose a special problem in patients under general anesthesia with first attempt failure rates up to 50%. To increase insertion success rate and decreases related complications, several techniques have been developed. In this study, digital assistance technique is compared to the classic insertion technique in neck flexion.Materials and Methods:In this prospective randomized study, 160 patients were randomly allocated into two groups; control group (Group C, n = 80) where NGT tube will be inserted with the neck in flexion position and digital facilitation group (Group D, n = 80).Results:Overall success rate and first attempt success were statistically higher in Group D compared to Group C (94% vs. 81%, P = 0.02, 80% vs. 62%, P = 0.01 respectively) with significantly lower insertion time in Group D (13 ± 5 s. vs. 10 ± 3 s., P = 0.00).Conclusions:Digital assistance of NGT insertion in the anesthetized or unconscious patient is an effective, fast, and safe method that can be either used as a routine technique or as a rescue in case of failed other methods.

Confirmation of Ryle's tube placement by bubble in jelly technique

“…NGT placement in such patients is usually done blindly using reverse Sellick's manoeuvre, digital assistance or with a Magill forceps under direct or video laryngoscope guidance. [ 1 ]…”

Retraction: Digital assistance of nasogastric tube insertion in intubated patients under general anesthesia: A single-blinded prospective randomized study

“…The original article titled “Digital assistance of nasogastric tube insertion in intubated patients under general anaesthesia. A single blinded prospective randomized study” published in Saudi Journal of Anesthesia, on pages 283-386, Volume 11, Issue 3, 2017,[ 1 ] is being retracted due to failure of the authors to provide the journal office with the original data of the manuscript. This violates the editorial policy of Saudi Journal of Anaesthesia, which follows best practice guidelines given by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) and Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) mentioned on the Information for Authors and as codified in the signed statements made by the authors regarding the copyright of their work.…”

Internal jaw thrust for nasogastric tube insertion

“…We did not encounter any trauma while practising this method. Digital assistance of NG tube insertion has been described,[ 8 ] but the authors have used the index finger to guide the NG tube in the oral cavity, which may be difficult in patients with limited mouth opening. A well-planned study is required to confirm the utility of this technique.…”