Use and abuse of nasogastric intubation.

The value of nasogastric intubation in the treatment of paralytic ileus and in some cases of mechanical obstruction, as well as in the preparation of obstructed patients for operation, cannot be denied. However, it is felt that intubation is oftentimes employed unnecessarily, and that the complications of this procedure are not fully appreciated. Fluid and electrolyte loss, sinusitis, parotitis, laryngeal obstruction, esophagitis, knotting and difficulty in withdrawing tubes and perforations of the gastrointestinal tract are complications that can occur when nasogastric intubation is employed. Two hundred consecutive operations on the gallbladder and bile ducts were reviewed, and the need for intubation in these cases was evaluated. It was needed in only 7.5 per cent of the cases in the series. In light of the hazards and the rather rare necessity for nasogastric intubation, "routine" use should be eschewed.