Does Nasogastric Tube Use During Cardiac Surgery Affect Postoperative
Outcomes? A Narrative Review
Abstract
Nasogastric tube (NGT) use has been common in the immediate
postoperative period in surgical patients for decades. Potential
advantages include the decompression of gastric contents and the early
administration of time-sensitive medications. However, its routine use
after cardiac surgery has not been established as a gold standard yet.
The NGT use for prevention of post-operative nausea and vomiting has
been a matter of debate in literature. Also, NGT use has also been
associated with the incidence of some respiratory and gastrointestinal
complications and it may be a source of significant pain and discomfort
to patients. In this article, we review the current available literature
regarding the use of NGT during and immediately after cardiac surgery,
with particular emphasis on its potential role in enhanced postoperative
recovery.