Temporary gastrostomy tubes in major gynecologic surgery.

Prophylactic, temporary tube gastrostomy was done in 39 patients having major gynecologic surgery. Patients who were thought to be at high risk for postoperative ileus had a Foley catheter inserted intraoperatively through the greater curvature of the stomach. The procedure was found to be technically easy, well tolerated by the patients, and clinically useful, since postsurgical ileus was prevented or treated without the local and respiratory ill effects of the commonly used nasogastric tube.