Nasogastric Decompression (NG) significantly increases risk of pneumonia and respiratory failure as well as increases resolution time and hospital stay of patients with small bowel obstruction, says a study published in ‘The American Surgeon’. Small bowel obstruction is one of the commonest surgical emergencies. Nasogastric decompression is commonly used for early management of small bowel obstruction. There are recurring reports that have demonstrated that nasogastric decompression is not associated with a reduction in the need for surgery or bowel resection but rather associated with longer hospital stay. References AL Fonseca et al.
Routine Nasogastric Decompression In Small Bowel Obstruction: Is It Really Necessary? The American Surgeon. 2013, 79(4), 422-428. Considering its risk to benefit ratio, what is your opinion about routine nasogastric decompression for small bowel…
