Merck Manual

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Nasogastric Intubation
nasogastric_intubation_high_blausen
Nasogastric Intubation

    For nasogastric intubation, a small, flexible plastic tube is passed through the nose or mouth into the stomach (nasogastric tube) or duodenum in the small intestine (nasoduodenal tube). Intubation typically causes gagging and nausea, so a numbing agent may be sprayed in the nose and back of the throat.

    This procedure can be used for various purposes, such as

    • Removing a sample of stomach or intestinal contents

    • Continuously removing the contents of the stomach

    • Providing food

    • Helping doctors accurately place a feeding tube through the skin directly in the stomach or intestine