Is Nasogastric Lavage Beneficial for Acute Gastrointestinal Bleeding?

The procedure increased the likelihood of early endoscopy but not better patient outcomes, such as lower mortality. The question merits prospective analysis.

Nasogastric lavage (NGL) was once a standard initial procedure for all patients with acute gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, but its use is now under debate. Although some data suggest that patients with a bloody NGL are more likely to have severe bleeding (Gastrointest Endosc 2004; 59:172), the test's presumed benefits — confirming an upper GI source of bleeding, clearing the stomach for better endoscopic visualization, and reducing the risk for aspiration — have not been tested.

To evaluate the effects of NGL during triage on clinical outcomes, investigators conducted a retrospective database study of 632 patients from a Veterans Administration hospital. To control for confounding factors that might influence the decision to perform lavage, …

Reviewing Author

David J. Bjorkman, MD, MSPH (HSA), SM (Epid.)

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

David J. Bjorkman, MD, MSPH (HSA), SM (Epid.)

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose