Gastric lavage, often referred to as “stomach pumping,” is a medical procedure performed by trained healthcare professionals in a hospital setting. It is not a home remedy due to its complexities and risks. This intervention is reserved for specific emergency situations where a person has ingested harmful substances, aiming to remove them from the stomach before they can be absorbed into the body.
Understanding Gastric Lavage
This procedure involves cleaning out the stomach using a tube. Its primary purpose is to remove toxic substances from the stomach in emergencies, such as acute poisoning or drug overdose. While its use has decreased with the development of other treatments like activated charcoal, it remains an option when a life-threatening amount of poison has been ingested, particularly if performed within a short timeframe after ingestion.
This technique is most effective if carried out promptly, ideally within 60 minutes of ingestion, as the amount of substance recovered diminishes rapidly over time. Certain situations, such as the ingestion of highly toxic substances, sustained-release medications, or when other treatments are ineffective, may indicate the need for gastric lavage. It can also manage upper gastrointestinal bleeding or serve as a cooling method for hyperthermia.
The Medical Procedure
Medical professionals first protect the patient’s airway, often through intubation, especially if unconscious. The patient is positioned on their left side with their head slightly lowered, which helps delay gastric emptying and reduce aspiration risk. A large-bore tube, either orogastric (through the mouth) or nasogastric (through the nose), is then carefully inserted into the stomach. The orogastric route is generally preferred to avoid nasal passage injury.
Tube placement is confirmed by various methods, including aspirating stomach contents, checking pH levels, or using an X-ray. Once the tube is correctly positioned, small volumes of fluid, usually warm water or saline, are instilled into the stomach. This fluid is then drained or aspirated, often using a syringe or suction device, to remove the stomach contents. This process of instilling and aspirating fluid is repeated multiple times until the fluid returning from the stomach appears clear, indicating that most of the ingested substance has been removed.
Potential Risks and Complications
Gastric lavage carries several risks and complications, so its use is carefully considered. One significant danger is aspiration pneumonia, which occurs if stomach contents enter the lungs during the procedure. This risk is elevated in patients with an unprotected airway.
Other possible complications include mechanical injury to the esophagus or stomach, such as perforation or bleeding. Patients may also experience electrolyte imbalances, such as hyponatremia (low sodium levels), particularly if large volumes of water are used for lavage, especially in children. Cardiac arrhythmias are also possible. These risks highlight why the procedure is not routinely performed and is only considered when benefits outweigh harms.
When to Seek Emergency Help
If someone has ingested a poisonous or dangerous substance, immediate action is necessary. Do not attempt to induce vomiting or administer any home remedies unless specifically instructed by medical professionals. Instead, contact emergency services, such as 911 in the United States, without delay if the person collapses, loses consciousness, has a seizure, or experiences difficulty breathing.
For other poisoning concerns, call a poison control center immediately. These centers provide expert, confidential, and free advice 24 hours a day. Be prepared to provide details such as the person’s age and weight, the type and amount of substance ingested, and when the exposure occurred.