JNMA; journal of the Nepal Medical Association
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JNMA J Nepal Med Assoc · Jul 2013
Randomized Controlled TrialProphylactic nasogastric decompression after emergency laparotomy.
Post-operative nasogastric intubation after emergency laparotomy is a common practice in many centers, with the intent of hastening the return of bowel function, relieving gastrointestinal discomfort, reducing various post-operative complications and reducing hospital stay. However, bowel rest and gastric decompression have been re-examined in the light of more recent data. Many studies and meta-analyses over the last 50 years have challenged the routine use of nasogastric tubes after laparotomy. The objective of this study is to evaluate the need for routine nasogastric decompression after emergency laparotomy. ⋯ complications; decompression; emergency laparotomy; flatus; nasogastric tube; prophylactic.