Endoscopic guided intubation of long nasointestinal decompression tube.

Surgeons have long been faced with the problem of intubating long nasointestinal tubes through the pylorus of the stomach when intestinal obstructions are present. The procedure described herein provides a direct view of intubation, endoscopically, rather than a blind approach fluoroscopically. This is achieved in every instance through the use of a guided wire inserted through an endoscope with a sleeve type, long nasogastrointestinal decompression tube. The procedure has proved to be advantageous because of the time saved by providing for rapid passage and prompt decompression which also eliminates trips and calls to the radiology department. Also, the improved condition of the patient prior to operation and the decreased amount of radiation that the patient is exposed to are advantages.