Do Nasogastric Tubes After Cardiac Surgery Reduce Nausea and Vomiting

Do Nasogastric Tubes After Cardiac Surgery Reduce Nausea and Vomiting. A Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial.

Gastric emptying is delayed after cardiac surgery, but the efficacy of the nasogastric (NG) tube in preventing distension and reducing vomiting is unclear. Nasogastric (NG) tubes are routinely used in patients undergoing surgery. They are presumed to reduce postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and to lessen the risk of aspiration by reducing residual gastric volumes; however, their insertion and use is not however without potentially serious complications. Existing literature does not address their efficacy in reducing PONV after cardiac surgery. However, current evidence suggests that up to 50% of patients in this group suffer significant nausea and vomiting. The objective of this study is to determine whether NG tubes should continue to be inserted routinely during cardiac surgery to reduce PONV.

Inclusion Criteria:

• undergoing coronary artery bypass graft and/or valvular surgery,
• age 18-80 year olds
• signed informed consent
• elective or urgent surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

• past history of oesophageal surgery, oesophageal varices or stricture,
• patients who have received antiemetic medication in the 24 hours before surgery
• emergency surgery
• patients that require re-sternotomy, or are not extubated 24 hours after admission to the intensive care unit, will be excluded from the study.