DOI: 10.4103/jcsr.jcsr_191_22 ISSN: 2277-5706

A comparative study evaluating the role of nasogastric tube following ileostomy reversal surgery

P. S. Khatana, Jitendra Kumar, Rajeev Ranjan Kumar, Siddharth Khemka, Shardool Vikram Gupta
  • General Medicine
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Abstract

Background:

Nasogastric tube (NT) is commonly used following abdominal surgeries with a belief that it will decompress the bowel and prevent complications such as abdominal distension and post-operative nausea and vomiting. However, many studies have now reported that the use of a NT after abdominal surgery is not only unnecessary but also can be harmful to the patient.

Methods:

This was a prospective and interventional randomised comparative study where patients undergoing elective ileostomy reversal (n = 120) were randomly divided into two groups: patients with (Group A), and without (Group B) the placement of the NT in the post-operative period (n = 60 each). Post-operative parameters like time to pass first flatus and stool, the first appearance of bowel sounds, length of hospital stay, post-operative hospital stay, post-operative complications such as pneumonia, fascial dehiscence, anastomotic leak, nausea, vomiting and need for tube insertion/reinsertion were recorded.

Results:

Mean time (post-operative days) for appearance of first bowel sounds (P < 0.0001), passing first flatus (P < 0.0001) and first stool (P < 0.0001) were significantly higher in Group A as compared to Group B (P < 0.0001). The mean duration of hospital stay (days) was also significantly higher in Group A compared to Group B (8.8 ± 1.5 Vs 5.5 ± 1). The proportion of patients who developed a chest infection in both Groups A and B was comparable.

Conclusions:

Use of a NT during the post-operative period after ileostomy reversal surgery does not provide any additional benefit and may be harmful in terms of early patient recovery.

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