Evolving Therapeutic Roles of Nasogastric Tubes: Current Concepts in Clinical Practice

Abstract

Nasogastric tubes (NGT) have been in use for over 100 years and are still considered as essential and resuscitative tools in multiple medical specialties for acute and chronic care. They are vital for decompression of the stomach in the presence of bowel obstruction in the critically ill and useful as a conduit for the administration of medications and sometimes for short term parenteral nutrition. The placement of nasogastric tubes is relatively routine. However, they must be inserted and maintained safely and effectively to avoid serious and possibly even fatal associated complications. This review focuses on recent updates in research regarding nasogastric tubes. Cognizance of the recent advances in indications, contraindications, techniques of insertion, confirmation of correct positioning, securement, complications, management of complications, and state of the art research about the nasogastric tube is crucial for practitioners of all medical and surgical specialties.

Nutrition therapy during noninvasive ventilation: oral or enteral?

“…In patients requiring gastric decompression, the insertion of a dual lumen naso-enteric tube with both gastric and postpyloric termination ports would afford simultaneous drainage of gastric contents and provision of postpyloric enteral nutrition [59]. This is particularly pertinent for patients at a high risk of aspiration and malnutrition to reduce feeding delays [60].…”