The international surgical journal with global reach

This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS

Effect of short-term versus prolonged nasogastric decompression on major post-esophagectomy complications. A parallel-group, randomized trial. Arch Surg 2012; 147: 747-751.

Published: 20th June 2013

Authors: Misty RC, Vijayabhaskar R, Karimundackal G, Jiwnani S, Pramesh CS

Conclusion

A total of 150 patients undergoing surgery were randomized to 48h or 6-10 days of nasogastric decompression. The rates of major pulmonary and anastomotic complications were similar: 19 per cent delayed and 21 per cent in the early nasogastric tube removal groups. Patient discomfort scores were higher in the delayed removal group (P=0.006).

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