Usefulness of ultrasound in confirming the correct placement of Ryle's tube compared to the traditional method of auscultation in normal versus overweight and obese patients.

Background and aims: Auscultation to verify Ryle's tube position is difficult in obese patients. We compared the usefulness of ultrasonography (USG) versus auscultation in confirming the correct Ryle's tube placement in normal versus overweight or obese patients, time taken for confirmation, and incidence of reinsertion.

Material and methods: A prospective, observational study was carried out on 80 patients. Patients with a body mass index (BMI)>25 kg/m² formed group O and those with BMI <25 kg/m² constituted group N. After Ryle's tube insertion correct placement was first confirmed by auscultation. The presence of a gurgling sound over the epigastrium was graded (definite/doubtful/absent). During USG evaluation, if Ryle's tube was not visualized at the subxiphoid region, 20mL of air was injected, looking for dynamic fogging in the stomach. If auscultation yielded doubtful or absent results and USG also failed to confirm, Ryle's tube was repositioned and confirmed.

Results: Group O had a significantly higher BMI. Auscultation time and the time taken for USG confirmation were significantly longer in group O. The percentage of patients with definite auscultatory signs was significantly higher in group N. Significantly higher number of patients in group O had doubtful/absent auscultatory signs. Ryle's tube and fogging visualization with USG and the requirement of reinsertion were comparable in both groups. The percentage of patients with definite auscultatory confirmation and definite USG confirmation were comparable in group N. However, in group O, significantly lesser patients had definite auscultatory confirmation compared to definite USG signs.

Conclusion: Confirmation of the correct placement of Ryle's tube using ultrasound is easier than auscultation in overweight and obese patients. In normal patients, both techniques are equally useful.