Nasogastric tube placement in newborns before discharge

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of medical staff [physicians] at different levels about insertion or placement of nasogastric tube [NGT] in a normal newborn before discharge. It was a survey-based, observational study conducted at King Khalid University Hospital. A total of 103 doctors were sent text message; among those 81 [78.6%] responded. Among the respondents, 27, 16, 11 and 27 were neonatologists, general physicians, obstetricians/ ENT/pediatric surgeons, and senior registrars neonatology [SRN], respectively. Majority of physicians, 57 [70.3%] rejected the idea of insertion of NGT in a normal newborn but in 24 [29.6%]; answer was to insert NGT in all the newborns before discharge to check the patency of nasal cavities. Regarding the position, region of doctors and their response, majority from Center said 'No' [not in favour of insertion] but from South, 17/18 [94.4%] said 'Yes' [in favour of insertion]. Regarding other specialties, majority of them showed rejection of this idea. In conclusion, most of the healthcare professionals, directly involved with neonatal care, rejected the idea of routine insertion of NGT in normal newborn examination before discharge; rather, some non-invasive technique could be opted