2020 Volume 83 Issue 1 Pages 8-13
The treatment of cases of tongue carcinoma have been increasing in our hospital. Nutritional support by the nasogastric tube (NGT) is important in the management of postoperative patients. At present, we insert an NGT in 70% of the patients undergoing tongue resection operations under general anesthesia. It should be inserted into the stomach to maximize benefit and minimize risk. A malpositioned NGT may cause such problems as pneumonia, which can be fatal, and pneumothorax. Fortunately, this has never happened in this hospital. In this study, radiographs, which are the best method to verify the position of the NGT, showed that 96% of the insertions were in the stomach. However, it is necessary to further decrease errors to prevent medical accidents. While doing this study, we noticed that information related to the NGT was incomplete in the anesthetic records. The method of verification of placement of the NGT inserted during anesthesia was only recorded in 3% of the records. We recommend that the position should be confirmed by a combination of radiographs and another method, but not auscultation. We also recommend a format for recording details related to the NGT to assure medical safety. Shika Igaku (J Osaka Odontol Soc) 2020; Mar; 83(1):8-13.
