Nasopharyngeal Airway Guide Nasogastric Tube Placement

A Nasopharyngeal Airway Facilitates Nasogastric Intubation in Anesthetized Intubated Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Nasogastric tube placement is essential for various surgery and critically ill patients. However, NG tube insertion in anesthetized, paralyzed, and intubated or unconscious patients may be difficult, with reported success rate less 50% on the first attempt without any auxiliary devices. Endotracheal tube intubation narrow the space of oropharynx and hypopharynx. Loss ability to swallow and tongue drop also made the NG tube coil in the mouth easily. Investigators assume nasopharyngeal airway can facilitate NG tube insertion by opening a channel from nostril to epiglottis and reduce complications by protecting nasal cavity while inserting NG.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patient should be > 20 years old, ASA 1~3 under going schedule general anesthesia with endotracheal tube intubation
• Patient who required NG tube placement for perioperative care

Exclusion Criteria:

• Coagulation abnormality (PLT≤100000, INR>1.2 & PT≥13)
• Hemodynamic unstable (with inotropic agent use)
• Arrythmia
• Esophageal varices or stricture, Esophageal cancer, trauma or previous esophageal surgery
• Gastric cancer involve cardiac orifice
• Corrosive chemical (strong acid or alkali) ingestion
• Skull base fracture
• Recent nasal surgery, nasal fracture or severe nasal obstruction
• Loose teeth that make endotracheal tube can not fix right side