Published in:
01-07-2016 | Original Article
Randomized Controlled Trial for Evaluation of the Routine Use of Nasogastric Tube Decompression After Elective Liver Surgery
Published in: Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery | Issue 7/2016
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Background
The value of routine nasogastric tube (NGT) decompression after elective hepatetctomy is not yet established. Previous studies in the setting of non-liver abdominal surgery suggested that the use of NGT decreased the incidence of nausea or vomiting, while increasing the frequency of pulmonary complications.
Study Design
Out of a total of 284 consecutive patients undergoing hepatectomy, 210 patients were included in this study. The patients were randomized to a group that received NGT decompression (NGT group; n = 108), in which a NGT was left in place after surgery until the patient passed flatus or stool, or a group that did not receive NGT decompression (no-NGT group; n = 102), in which the NGT was removed at the end of surgery.
Results
There were no differences between the NGT group and no-NGT group in terms of the overall morbidity (34.3 vs 35.3 %; P = 0.99), incidence of pulmonary complications (18.5 vs 19.5 %; P = 0.84), frequency of postoperative vomiting (6.5 vs 7.8 %; P = 0.70), time to start of oral intake (median (range) 3 (2–6) vs 3 (2–6) days; P = 0.69), or postoperative duration of hospital stay (19 (7–74) vs 18 (9–186) days; P = 0.37). In the no-NGT group, three patients required reinsertion of the tube 0 (0–3) days after surgery. In the NGT group, severe discomfort was recorded in five patients.
Conclusions
Routine NGT decompression after elective hepatectomy does not appear to have any advantages.