WHEN REMOVE THE NASOGASTRIC TUBE: BEFORE OR AFTER ENDOSCOPY?

Enteral nutrition is an alternative nutrition method for patients whose digestive system is functional but cannot be fed orally (Bankhead et al., 2009). The use of nasogastric feeding tubes (NGFTs) is common and clinicians often underestimate their placement, function, and maintenance (Prabhakaran et al., 2012). Due to complications that may occur during NGFT placement, it is recommended that the procedure be performed only by trained personnel (Creel & Winkler, 2007; Eldar & Meguid, 1984; Özdemir, Öztürk, Öcal, Metiner, & Onur, 2015). Confirmation of the position of the NGFT is crucial both during insertion and subsequent use (Braegger et al., 2010). Some clinicians evaluate the localization of the tube by giving air through the feeding tube and hearing a rumbling sound over the epigastric region (auscultation method) (Metheny, 1988). However, it may be difficult to determine the correctness of the tube location by auscultation, even in experienced hands, especially in patients with neurological disorders, who are unconscious, or who have impaired swallowing functions (Braegger et al., 2010). The morbidity associated with the NGFT is common, but often unclear. Therefore, a high index of suspicion mandates clinical alertness and patient WHEN REMOVE THE NASOGASTRIC TUBE: BEFORE OR AFTER ENDOSCOPY?