The acronym NGTD stands for Nasogastric Tube Drainage or Decompression, a common hospital procedure. This medical intervention involves the temporary placement of a thin, flexible tube that runs from the nose down into the stomach. The purpose of NGTD is to manage the contents of the stomach, either by removing unwanted substances or by relieving pressure. This procedure is frequently used for patients who are temporarily unable to manage their gastrointestinal function.
Defining Nasogastric Tube Drainage
Nasogastric Tube Drainage describes using a nasogastric (NG) tube to remove air, fluid, or other contents from the stomach. The term “nasogastric” indicates the path the tube takes, from the naso (nose) down to the gastric (stomach) area. The tube is made of a flexible plastic material, such as polyurethane or silicone, allowing it to pass through the nasal cavity, pharynx, and esophagus into the stomach.
The drainage is achieved by connecting the external end of the tube to a low-pressure suction machine or allowing gravity to draw out the contents. Some NG tubes, like the Salem Sump, use a double lumen: one channel for suction and a smaller air vent. This design prevents the tube from adhering to the stomach lining and prevents the buildup of pressure and accumulation of gastric secretions. The drainage material is collected in a container and monitored by clinical staff.
Primary Medical Reasons for NGTD
The procedure is frequently used to decompress the stomach and bowel, particularly in cases of obstruction. When a blockage occurs in the small or large intestine, fluids, air, and digestive secretions back up into the stomach, leading to painful abdominal distension. The NG tube provides a direct pathway for these contents to be removed, relieving pressure and preventing vomiting.
NGTD is also employed after major abdominal surgery. Surgical manipulation of the bowels can lead to a temporary condition known as ileus, where the normal muscular contractions of the intestine slow down or stop. Using the NG tube to decompress the stomach prevents the accumulation of gas and fluid until normal bowel function returns. Another element is gastric lavage, or “stomach washing,” which uses an NG tube to introduce and remove fluids to clear toxic substances, such as in cases of overdose or poisoning.
The Patient Experience of NGTD
The insertion of a nasogastric tube is a quick process, though it can cause temporary discomfort, particularly as the tube passes the gag reflex area. Patients are asked to sit upright and swallow water to help the tube slide into the esophagus and stomach. Once the tube is correctly positioned—a placement usually confirmed by an X-ray—it is secured to the nose to prevent accidental dislodgement.
While the tube is in place, patients may experience a sensation of a foreign object in their throat, potentially leading to a dry mouth or increased salivation. Nurses provide careful care, including frequent oral hygiene and monitoring the amount and type of fluid draining from the tube. Removal of the tube is a fast process once the underlying medical condition has resolved and normal gut function has returned.