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Omission of routine gastric decompression

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Diseases of the Colon & Rectum

Conclusions

It is safe to omit routine gastric decompression after elective intestinal operations, limiting oral fluids until flatus is passed. Of patients managed in this fashion, 4 per cent, or fewer, will require decompression to relieve distention. No hazard exists in waiting to see which individuals need a tube, as determined by clinical signs. Sixty three per cent will be spared the discomfort and minor problems associated with tubes. The risk of major complications from tubes, though such were not seen in this study, is eliminated.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Saint Vincent Health Center, 16512, Erie, Pennsylvania

    Richard Burg M.D., Carl F. Geigle M.D., Joseph M. Faso M.D. &  Frank J. Theuerkauf Jr. M.D.

Authors
  1. Richard Burg M.D.
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  2. Carl F. Geigle M.D.
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  3. Joseph M. Faso M.D.
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  4. Frank J. Theuerkauf Jr. M.D.
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Additional information

Read at the meeting of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Orlando, Florida, May 8 to 12, 1977.

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Burg, R., Geigle, C.F., Faso, J.M. et al. Omission of routine gastric decompression. Dis Colon Rectum 21, 98–100 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02586446

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02586446

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