Accuracy of Ultrasonography in Confirming Correct Positioning of Nasogastric Tube in the Intensive Care Setting

Accuracy of Ultrasonography in Confirming Correct Positioning of Nasogastric Tube in the Intensive Care Setting

The goal of the study was to test whether a sonographic examination instead of an X-ray allows the position of a tube in the stomach to be checked.

Participants were patients admitted at an intensive care unit who required a nasogastric tube for several reasons (for example nutrition). After obtaining an informed consent from the patient or the family, the researchers checked the position of the tube with ultrasound and compared it with the gold standard, which is radiography. Data analysis allowed the concordance between the two tests to be analyzed.

Inclusion Criteria:

• age ≥ 18 years
• an already inserted nasogastric tube or required nasogastric tube insertion
• no contraindication for chest or abdominal X-ray
• no contraindication for neck and upper abdominal ultrasonography

Exclusion Criteria:

• pregnancy
• basal skull fractures
• facial fractures
• previous or recent surgery of the neck, esophagus or stomach