IS NASOGASTRIC DECOMPRESSION MANDATORY AFTER COLON AND RECTUM SURGERY? A PROSPECTIVE RANDOMIZED STUDY

Abstract

Routine nasogastric decompression after colorectal surgery is practiced commonly as an old tradition among surgeons. We questioned the necessity of using nasogastric tubes to drain stomach as a routine procedure after colorectal surgery. Patients were randomly allocated to postoperative treatment with or without nasogastric tubes. In this prospective randomized study 94 patients undergoing colorectal surgery, 49 underwent postoperative nasogastric suction and 45 did not. The distribution of patient and operative characteristics was similar in both groups. Return of bowel function, as determined by bowel tones and flatus, occured significantly earlier in patients without tubes. The subsequent nasogastric tube insertion rate was not different between two study groups. There were nosignificant differences in the presence of wound and pulmonary complications as well perioperative electrolyte imbalances. Therefore, nasogastric decompression did not decrease the incidence of any complication. The study supports that nasogastric decompression is unnecessary and can be safely omitted after colorectal surgery.