MODERN OPERATIVE TECHNICS
New Way to Stabilize Nasogastric Tubes Albert A. Sader, MD, SZo Paulo, Brazil
Nasogastric tubes, although unpleasant, are often necessary in several medical and surgical conditions, frequently for long periods of time. In these circumstances, since they are usually stabilized with adhesive tape or by the circle-tie method [I], they may cause decubitus ulcerations in the mucosa of the nose and pharynx, which are extremely painful and often intolerable to the patients. A new way to stabilize nasogastric tubes was devised to minimize this problem. A heavy thread is tied around the tube and held to the skin of the nose and forehead with adhesive tape. (Figure 1.) The free part of the thread must be 3 or 4 cm long to allow short inward and outward movements of the tube during swallowing. In this way, pressure exerted on the tissues by the tube is alleviated periodically, and erosions of the mucosa are unlikely to occur. In addition, cleanliness of the nasal cavity is obviously improved. This technic has been used on our Service for the last ten years with excellent results. Summary
A new way to stabilize nasogastric tubes is presented, aimed at preventing decubitus ulcerations of the mucosa of the nose and pharynx. Reference 1. Carr GC. Heimlich HJ: Circle tie to prevent removal of nasogastric tube by patient. Surg Gynecol Obstet 134: 317. 1972. From the Departments of Surgery, Orthopedics. and Traumatology, School of Medicine of Ribeir5o Preto, Universfty of SBo Paulo, Brazil. _ Reprint requests should be addressed to Albert A. Sader, MD, Faculdade de Medicina. 14.100-Ribeirgo Preto, Slo Paulo, Brazil.
102
Figure 1. Nasogastric tube stabilized with heavy thread and adhesive tape. A, at rest; B, during swallowing.
The American Journal of Surgery
New Way to Stabilize Nasogastric Tubes Albert A. Sader, MD, SZo Paulo, Brazil
Nasogastric tubes, although unpleasant, are often necessary in several medical and surgical conditions, frequently for long periods of time. In these circumstances, since they are usually stabilized with adhesive tape or by the circle-tie method [I], they may cause decubitus ulcerations in the mucosa of the nose and pharynx, which are extremely painful and often intolerable to the patients. A new way to stabilize nasogastric tubes was devised to minimize this problem. A heavy thread is tied around the tube and held to the skin of the nose and forehead with adhesive tape. (Figure 1.) The free part of the thread must be 3 or 4 cm long to allow short inward and outward movements of the tube during swallowing. In this way, pressure exerted on the tissues by the tube is alleviated periodically, and erosions of the mucosa are unlikely to occur. In addition, cleanliness of the nasal cavity is obviously improved. This technic has been used on our Service for the last ten years with excellent results. Summary
A new way to stabilize nasogastric tubes is presented, aimed at preventing decubitus ulcerations of the mucosa of the nose and pharynx. Reference 1. Carr GC. Heimlich HJ: Circle tie to prevent removal of nasogastric tube by patient. Surg Gynecol Obstet 134: 317. 1972. From the Departments of Surgery, Orthopedics. and Traumatology, School of Medicine of Ribeir5o Preto, Universfty of SBo Paulo, Brazil. _ Reprint requests should be addressed to Albert A. Sader, MD, Faculdade de Medicina. 14.100-Ribeirgo Preto, Slo Paulo, Brazil.
102
Figure 1. Nasogastric tube stabilized with heavy thread and adhesive tape. A, at rest; B, during swallowing.
The American Journal of Surgery
