Efficacy and necessity of nasojejunal tube after gastrectomy

Abstract Background Nasojejunal tube (NJT) decompression is routinely used for intestinal drainage after total gastrectomy. It is supposed that it would protect anastomosis, but since the stomach should be completely removed, today its efficacy is under question. On the other hand, the tube leads to the discomfort of patients and aspiration disorders or nasopharyngial ulceration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and necessity of the nasojejunal tube decompression after gastrectomy. Methods In this interventional study, 50 gastric cancer patients who underwent gastrectomy in Ghaem and Omid hospitals, which are affiliated with the Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, from 2001 to 2008 were enrolled. The patients were randomly divided into two groups of with NJT (25 cases) and without NJT (25 cases). The rate of complications, hospital stay duration and the time of beginning their diet were evaluated. Results The two groups were similar in age, sex, state of the disease, bleeding volume and length of removed esophagus. There was no significant difference between these two groups considering the initial passing of gas, the beginning of their diet, and hospital stay duration. But the incidence of sore throat, nasal discomfort, speech disorders, and patients' dissatisfation were higher in the group with NJT. Conclusion It seems that patients without NJT were more comfortable and satisfied after total gastrectomy. Thus, there is no need for the insertion of the NJT after gastrectomy.