Tehran University Medical Journal

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Background: Nasogastric tube (NG tube) usage was first described in 1921 by Levin. Surgeons routinely use NG tube in most esophageal resections. Considering the numerous complications caused by this tube, the uncertainty about its usefulness and the scarcity of studies conducted on the subject, particularly in esophageal cancer patients, we investigated the necessity of the NG tube in these cases.

Methods: This clinical trial was performed at the Cancer Institute of Imam Khomeini Hospital. Esophageal cancer patients were randomized into groups either with or without postoperative NG tube the latter group was also prescribed metoclopramide. Postoperative obstruction was the exclusion criteria. The operation was done by a team of surgeons using the surgical techniques of McKeown or Orringer. All patients received ranitidine, heparin and antibiotics postoperatively. All patients received postoperative chest X-ray and chest physiotherapy. The NG tube was inserted or reinserted for those with abdominal distention and/or repeated vomiting. The NG tube was pulled out after return of bowel movements. The variables recorded for each patient included the first day of flatus, the first day of defecation, the first day of bowel sound (BS) upon auscultation, duration of post-operative hospitalization, nausea and vomiting, abdominal distension, pulmonary complications, wound complications, anastomotic leakage and the need for placing/replacing the NG tube. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, v. 11.5.

Results: After randomization, the NG tube was inserted for 22 patients, and 18 patients had no NG tube. The incidence of anastomotic leakage was significantly higher in the NG-tube group. No significant differences between the two groups were found for other complications. The mean times until first passage of flatus, defecation and BS upon auscultation and the duration of post-operative hospitalization were not significantly different. The need for placing/replacing the NG tube was the same for both groups. There was no difference in the perioperative death rates between the two groups.

Conclusions: We conclude that the routine use of NG tubes after surgery is not recommended for all patients. NG tube should be used according to the specific needs of each patient. This protocol will protect patients from undesired complications.

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Background: Peptic ulcer disease is one of the most common GI disorders. Perforation has the highest mortality rate of any complication of ulcer disease, while early diagno-sis and emergency treatment save patient life.
Case presentation: This paper reports an adolescent boy admitted to the Ziaeian University Hospital. He suffered from severe abdominal pain with dyspnea had been started since past three hours. Periumbilical pain started from past 2-3 days, gradually localized to the right lower quadrant. He had anorexia without nausea and vomiting. He was tachycardic and tachypneic, but he did not have fever. On physical examination, bowel sound was hypoactive, there was generalize tenderness, guarding and rebound tender-ness focused in the right lower quadrant and suprapubic region. Laboratory finding indicated leukocytosis. Chest X-ray showed free air under diaphragm. Once the diagno-sis has been made, the patient was given analgesia and antibiotics, resuscitated with isotonic fluid, and taken to the operating room. Laparotomy was implemented through a midline incision. There was bile secretion in the peritoneal cavity. Appendix was inflamated. Cecum and ileum were normal. A small perforation, 4mm in size was detected in first portion of duodenum. Appendectomy and omental patch repair were done. Ten days later, the patient was discharged in a good state. Serologic test for helicobacter pylori was negative.
Conclusion: Stomach and duodenal perforation should be considered in patients with-out peptic ulcer disease, especially in children and adolescents with sudden and severe abdominal pain who are admitted to the hospital for other diseases. Because some patients present with peptic ulcer complications that are seemingly exacerbated by stressful life events.