Effectiveness of left nasal nasogastric tube placement with right head-tilt in anesthetized patients: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND

Patients undergoing general anesthesia frequently encounter difficulties when the conventional nasogastric tube (NGT) is placed, resulting in low success rates. This study investigates a novel, free-hand, and blind technique aimed at enhancing the first-attempt success rate without the need for any medium.

METHODS

One hundred and thirty-two eligible patients were randomly allocated to either the experimental group or the control group. In the experimental group, patients' heads were turned 45-90° to the right while in the supine position, and the NGT was inserted vertically through the left nasal cavity. In the control group, patients remained in a neutral supine position. All other procedures were the same between the two groups.

RESULTS

The experimental group had a significantly higher one-time success rate than the control group, 82.54% (52/63) versus 67.18% (43/64) (relative risk = 2.309; 95% CI: 1.003-5.315; P=0.046). There was no significant difference in complications (15.87% versus 28.13%; P=0.096) or in the time taken for placement and changes in vital signs between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Placing the NGT through the left nasal cavity with the head turned right in supine patients under general anesthesia significantly improves the one-time success rate without increasing complications.