Abstract

In this study, 400 patients operated between March 1992 and March 1995 due to elective or emergent gastrointestinal pathology were evaluated prospectively and compared with control group. All the patients underwent gastrointestinal operations due to indications other than traumatic reasons. We examined the patients in two separate groups. In the first group (n:200) nasogastric tubes were withdrawn early just after the operations, meanwhile in the second group (n:200), the tubes were kept until the third postoperative day. Between the two groups there were significant differences from the point of postoperative oral uptake, mobilizations and dysphagia. On the other hand the differences according to the beginning of the bowel movements and flatus in postoperative period were not significant. Other minor complications were also insignificant between two groups. As a result, we are suggesting that nasogastric tubes are not necessary in the postoperative period except in some special indications.