International journal of colorectal disease
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Int J Colorectal Dis · Apr 2011
Review Meta AnalysisThe role of nasogastric tube in decompression after elective colon and rectum surgery: a meta-analysis.
Nasogastric tubes (NGT) have been routinely used after abdominal procedures, largely due to the accepted tradition, especially in China. However, studies recently questioned the role of routine NGT intubation by stating that it was overused and many complications occurred from its use. ⋯ In conclusion, routine NGT decompression did no good to the time to return gastrointestinal function, but increased the morbidity of pharyngolaryngitis and respiratory infection significantly. Routine NGT was not recommended for patients after elective colon and rectum surgery.