The use of double-lumen tubes in upper gastrointestinal surgery.

The use of a double-lumen tube for simultaneous gastric suction and jejunal feeding is described. This eliminates the need for a separate jejunostomy. Not only is the chance of complication reduced, but also the operating time is shortened and nursing care is simplified. The management of a case of completely transected duodenum, of a pancreatic abscess, and of a case of prolonged gastric retention and atony is presented to illustrate the usefulness of the tube. Each patient received adequate nourishment by jejunal feeding while gastric suction was continued.