What is Nasogastric Tube Insertion

A nasogastric tube is used to remove stomach contents or air and to help in the diagnosis and treatment of certain conditions. The tube can also be used to deliver medicine, water, and liquid food. You may need this tube if:

• You have an intestinal blockage.
• You have abdominal surgery.
• You are on a breathing machine (ventilator).
• You are unable to eat, drink, or take medicine by mouth (orally).

The tube is passed through your nose, into the back of your throat, and down into your stomach. This procedure is done while you are awake. Numbing medicine may be used to make the procedure more comfortable. The tube is easily taken out when it is no longer needed.

Tell a health care provider about:

• Any allergies you have.
• All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
• Previous problems you or members of your family have had with the use of anesthetics or numbing medicines.
• Any blood disorders you have.
• Any history of bleeding from the nose, throat, or stomach.
• Any recent injuries to your face.
• Any surgeries you have had, including surgery to the nose or sinuses.
• Any history of a deviated septum or other problems with the nose.
• Any other medical conditions you have.
• Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

What are the risks?

Generally, this is a safe procedure. However, problems may occur, including:

• Failure to successfully place the tube.
• Incorrect tube placement into one of the main breathing tubes in the lungs (bronchi).
• Making a hole (perforation) in the swallowing tube (esophagus).
• Bleeding.
• Infection at the tube placement site.
• Lung infection from fluid going into the lung (aspiration pneumonia).
• Allergic reaction to a numbing medicine that is used before the tube is inserted.

What happens before the procedure?

Follow your health care provider’s instructions. There are usually no preparations needed for this procedure.

What happens during the procedure?

• Your health care provider may examine the inside of your nose to see which side is wider.
• A numbing solution or spray (topical anesthetic) may be put into your nose. You may be asked to inhale and swallow this anesthetic. A topical anesthetic may also be sprayed into the back of your mouth.
• You will be positioned in an upright, sitting position.
• As soon as your nose and throat are numb, your health care provider will put a slippery substance (lubricant) on the tip of the tube and place it in your nose.
• The tube will be advanced into the back of your throat.
• You may be given a glass of water with a straw. As the tube is advanced down your throat, you may be asked to take sips of water and try to swallow.
• When the tube reaches your stomach, your health care provider may test the tube position by:
  • Using a syringe to remove stomach fluids through the tube.
  • Pushing air through the tube and listening with a stethoscope for sounds in the stomach.
• An X-ray may be taken to check the position of the tube.
• When the tube is in the right place, it will be secured to your nose. This will keep the tube from moving.
• The tube may be connected to a suction device or a pump to deliver medicine or liquids.

The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.

What happens after the procedure?

• Your throat may feel sore as the topical anesthetic wears off.
• Let your health care provider know if the tube gets pulled or if it changes position in the back of your throat.