Ng tube question
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Dukeis
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I never had one right out of surgery, but did get one 3 days post-op. All I can remember is I was extremely bloated and in pain. When they put the NG tube down I gagged and vomited (not fun). Between what I vomited and the NG tube sucked out was almost 3 liters. All I know I felt a whole lot better afterward. I have heard some doctors have the NG tube placed while in surgery. Wish I would have had it done that way.
You're in the states I see Scaryman. Worked OR for many years and I can only tell you what I've seen. I would say that the vast majority of patients having a resection have an NG tube placed while in the operating room. There are a lot of medical reasons for this DURING surgery that I won't bore you with. For post-op, they like to keep the bowel empty for a while after bowel surgery to let it heal. The NG helps with that. It also helps with nausea post-op.
I personally hate them! I'm sure 99% of the time it all goes well. I just have a super strong gag reflex and woke from surgery gagging. Most people don't. Ive put a lot of them in, and I always think of patient comfort and add all the nice things like lots of lubricant.
When is your surgery scheduled? Reading your posts, it sounds like you're ready. I was reading a research article about the algorithm to decide on surgery versus meds and that many times surgery will give your more time in remission. Interesting, but they need more data. If this course of Humira doesn't work for me in very long, I'm going for the surgery myself no matter HOW much they have to take out.
I personally hate them! I'm sure 99% of the time it all goes well. I just have a super strong gag reflex and woke from surgery gagging. Most people don't. Ive put a lot of them in, and I always think of patient comfort and add all the nice things like lots of lubricant.
When is your surgery scheduled? Reading your posts, it sounds like you're ready. I was reading a research article about the algorithm to decide on surgery versus meds and that many times surgery will give your more time in remission. Interesting, but they need more data. If this course of Humira doesn't work for me in very long, I'm going for the surgery myself no matter HOW much they have to take out.
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I flew from Fort Lauderdale to the University of Chicago Wednesday to have an appointment with Dr. Hanauer. I flew back the same day and I'm scheduled to go back on the 21st for meeting very early morning with the surgical team on the 22nd. Surgery is scheduled for the 24th, I have the number six gastrointestinal hospital in the country doing my surgery. As I told the chief section of gastroenterology you just tell me what you want me to do and I'll do it, my point that I'm trying to make is I trust them implicitly. I just want to know what to expect with an NG tube. Can you bore me
with the details why they put them in there during surgery. Other than IV line which is the obvious and cathater what else could be put inside of me, How many tubes and hoses can come out? Lol
Dukeis
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I flew from Fort Lauderdale to the University of Chicago Wednesday to have an appointment with Dr. Hanauer. I flew back the same day and I'm scheduled to go back on the 21st for meeting very early morning with the surgical team on the 22nd. Surgery is scheduled for the 24th, I have the number six gastrointestinal hospital in the country doing my surgery. As I told the chief section of gastroenterology you just tell me what you want me to do and I'll do it, my point that I'm trying to make is I trust them implicitly. I just want to know what to expect with an NG tube. Can you bore me
Don't get hung up on those ranking. I used to go to the #1 gastrointestinal hospital in the country and seen one of the most world renowned physicians on the planet. Well lets just say, those ranking never did anything to help in the end.
Scaryman: Sent a a PM with details. Didn't want to do the lengthy reply on here and bore others. ha-ha.
Dukeis
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Why not share with everyone. You never know just who else you may be helping!
OK, here is the reply I sent. I want to preface that this is ONLY my experience and not medical advice etc, etc, etc. There are regional differences in ORs around the states also in how they do things....
Hi Scaryman:
I didn't want to put medical stuff into the open forum. Hate to sound like an expert and a know-it-all, so thought I would put the answers here.
Used to be NGs were put in before you went to surgery in the pre-op area. Now they do them in the OR after you are asleep mainly so it's not so unpleasant, but also because they have to manage the airway. They also place other tubes and lines at that time (if needed) before the Doc ever makes the first incision. The anesthesiologist and the surgeon confer on what they want/need during the procedure and for post-op.
During surgery they also put down a breathing tube (ET) (endotracheal tube) so anesthesia can breath for you during the procedure. So... You actually have two tubes down during the procedure during the resection. This is the most common, but not guarenteed for you. I have seen one or two in my career that didn't end up with an NG, but rare for a resection.
They also put down the NG so that stomach contents won't reflux up and cause problems during the procedure. That way, with the ET tube in place, your airway is "safe".
As for what tubes you come out with afterward, that is totally dependent upon your past medical history and what they find while they are in there. For instance, someone with past heart problems may get a special IV line in the chest or artery. You could also come out with a drain in the incision or abdomen if they have to irrigate a lot or if they see infection. These are usually short term, not like the ones you hear about on here with the abscesses or fistulas.
During recovery, you're on a heart monitor. As I said most of this is dependent on you and your history.
I hope this helps. I always beleive in patients getting good information and education before surgery. If have any more questions, just let me know and I'll try to help. Good Luck!
Hi Scaryman:
I didn't want to put medical stuff into the open forum. Hate to sound like an expert and a know-it-all, so thought I would put the answers here.
Used to be NGs were put in before you went to surgery in the pre-op area. Now they do them in the OR after you are asleep mainly so it's not so unpleasant, but also because they have to manage the airway. They also place other tubes and lines at that time (if needed) before the Doc ever makes the first incision. The anesthesiologist and the surgeon confer on what they want/need during the procedure and for post-op.
During surgery they also put down a breathing tube (ET) (endotracheal tube) so anesthesia can breath for you during the procedure. So... You actually have two tubes down during the procedure during the resection. This is the most common, but not guarenteed for you. I have seen one or two in my career that didn't end up with an NG, but rare for a resection.
They also put down the NG so that stomach contents won't reflux up and cause problems during the procedure. That way, with the ET tube in place, your airway is "safe".
As for what tubes you come out with afterward, that is totally dependent upon your past medical history and what they find while they are in there. For instance, someone with past heart problems may get a special IV line in the chest or artery. You could also come out with a drain in the incision or abdomen if they have to irrigate a lot or if they see infection. These are usually short term, not like the ones you hear about on here with the abscesses or fistulas.
During recovery, you're on a heart monitor. As I said most of this is dependent on you and your history.
I hope this helps. I always beleive in patients getting good information and education before surgery. If have any more questions, just let me know and I'll try to help. Good Luck!
