A Guideline on the Removal Time of the Nasogastric Tube Following Gastrectomy

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: There is no standard principle as to the nasogastric tube decompression period following gastrectomy. This prospective randomized study was done in an attempt to define the affect of the nasogastric tube decompression period on the postoperative course with a special reference to early postoperative complications, gas passing time, and the length of hospital stay after gastrectomy. METHODS: We reviewed 201 patients among 402 cases who had received gastrectomy because of gastric cancer. The patients were classified as those whose tubes were removed within 48 hours postoperatively, and those whose tubes remained for more than 48 hours (early group n=70, late group n=131). RESULTS: No significant differences were noted in regards to complication rate, or hospital stay. However, a significant decrease in the time to first gas passing was noted in the early removal group compared to late group (4.13+/-1.33 day vs. 4.39+/-1.50 day, P=0.040). CONCLUSION: These results indicate that the early removal of the nasogastric tube following gastrectomy is safely recommended in order to reduce patient discomfort.