how to do gastric wash(Lavage)

 to do gastric wash (stomach pumping)

1- use correct size of ng tube

ng tube size for adult : (for feeding 8-10fr) , (for decompression 10-14fr)

ng tube size for infant(1yrs) to preschool(5years): (for feeding 8fr) , (for decompression 8-10fr) 

ng tube size for neonate(first 4weeks): (for feeding 6fr) , (for decompression 8fr)

frankly : adult 10fr , 1-5yrs 8fr , neonate 6fr

2-identify borders : imaginary line from mouth entry to mandible angle to carina

3-confirm right placement , by introduce air by syringe to the tube while auscultation by stethoscope on the epigastrium , you will hear gastric bubbles , then draw syringe if there is content to confirm , then push 10cc(neonate) 9% N/S and wait 10second and draw again , gastric wash amount is 50-100cc(3-5ml/kg for single lavage) , if there is resistant when draw the fluid , just tilt the tube or move it slightly up dawn while drawing (تحريك التيوب اثناء السحب)

                                                        the path of ng tube into stomach

4-to be effective , time preferred : less than 1 hr 

when to use : ingestion of poison or drugs (opioid ,phencyclidine , paracetamol , heavy metals )

ng tube contraindication: caustic ingestion(strong acidic or alkaline , increase or decrease ph) ,when airway not protected (when essential reflex lost and no endotracheal tube) 

                                                        misplacement , ng tube in bronchi

                                                             

                                                                correct placement

ng tube side-effect, possible complication :bradycardia(vagal response), gastric-esophageal perforation 

Edit This Article