Nonoperative management without nasogastric tube decompression for adhesive small bowel obstruction

Background: Although nasogastric tube (NGT) decompression is widely used in nonoperative management for adhesive small bowel obstruction (SBO), robust evidence is lacking to support this routine practice.

Methods: Patients who received nonoperative management with a diagnosis of adhesive SBO were retrospectively reviewed. Those who received NGT or long-tube decompression at admission were categorized into the NGT group, while those who initially had no NGT placement were categorized into the non-NGT group. The incidence of vomiting after admission, pneumonia after admission, and the need for surgery were compared.

Results: Among 288 patients, 148 (51.3%) had non-NGT conservative treatment. There were no significant differences in the incidence of vomiting (NGT vs non-NGT: 12.9% vs 18.9%, p = 0.16), pneumonia (1.4% vs 0%, p = 0.235), or need for surgery (12.9% vs 7.4%, p = 0.126).

Conclusions: While NGT decompression is a standard of care for adhesive SBO, selective NGT insertion for patients with persistent nausea or vomiting can become an option.