Role of nasogastric tube in children undergoing elective distal bowel surgery

Nasogastric tubes are being routinely used in children and adults undergoing elective abdominal surgery without much scientific evidence supporting their true usefulness. The aim of our study was to assess the role of nasogastric tube in children undergoing elective distal bowel surgery. All pediatric patients undergoing elective distal bowel surgery were enrolled and randomized into two groups: those with nasogastric tube (NG group) or without nasogastric tube (NNG group). Outcome parameters such as resumption of bowel function, enteral feed tolerance, postoperative complications, hospital stay and patient with their parent satisfaction were compared between the groups. A total of 60 patients were included with equal distribution in the NG and NNG groups. Patient variables were comparable in both the groups. Patients in NNG group progressed to full oral feeds significantly earlier (57 +/- 18 vs. 106.07 +/- 18.35 h, p < 0.001) and had shorter duration of hospital stay (91.93 +/- 26.03 vs. 114.67 +/- 18.83 h, p < 0.001) as compared to the NG group. Significant number of patients with nasogastric tube reported sore throat (9 vs. 1 p = 0.03) and nausea (5 vs. 0 p = 0.010). There was no significant difference in return of bowel function (39.43 h +/- 15.92 vs. 43.60 h +/- 17.77, p = 0.171), hiccups, sleep disturbance, complications and nasogastric tube reinsertion rate between the two groups. Routine use of nasogastric tube after elective distal bowel surgery in children is not necessary.