Nasogastric Tube
NG Tube · Orogastric Tube · OG Tube · Salem Sump · Stomach Tube · Levin Tube
A long, flexible plastic tube with depth markings that is passed through the nose (nasogastric) or mouth (orogastric) into the stomach. The large-bore Salem Sump type has two lumenLOO-menThe open space inside a tube, such as a blood vessel, the intestine or a catheter.Full entry : the main drainage lumen and a thinner blue vent (air) lumen.
On the table
What it does, the lengths it comes in and what experienced techs know about it.
What it’s for
Large-bore tubes empty and decompress the stomach (gastric suction). Stomach decompression may be needed in abdominal and foregut cases such as colon resectionrih-SEK-shunSurgery to remove part of an organ or tissue.re- back, againsect to cut-ion processFull entry and robotic herniaHER-nee-uhA bulge of an organ or tissue through a weak spot in the muscle or tissue wall that normally holds it in.Full entry repairs. In some foregut cases a small amount of air is put down the tube to test a staple or sutureSOO-cherA stitch, or the thread used to stitch, that holds the edges of a wound or incision together.Full entry line for leaks. Small-bore nasogastric tubenay-zoh-GAS-trik toobA thin, flexible tube passed through the nose and down the esophagus into the stomach.nas/o nosegastr/o stomach-ic having to do withFull entry are used for feeding and medicines instead.
Lengths and variants
Large-bore, firmer tubes (such as the Salem Sump) for suction and decompression; small-bore, flexible tubes for feeding and medicines. Single- or double-lumenLOO-menThe open space inside a tube, such as a blood vessel, the intestine or a catheter.Full entry .
What experienced techs know
What techs who reach for it every day know about it.Pro
Through the case
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2 sources
- Open RN. Nursing Skills. 2nd ed. Chapter 17 (Enteral Tube Management), section 17.2, p. 994-995
- Rothrock. Alexander's Care of the Patient in Surgery. 17th ed. Chapter 11 (Gastrointestinal Surgery), p. 314
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