How far to pass a nasogastric tube? Particular reference to the distance from the anterior nares to the upper oesophagus
Phillips, D.E.; Sherman, I.W.; Asgarali, S.; Williams, R.S.
Journal of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh 39(5): 295-296
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0035-8835 PMID: 7861338 Document Number: 430638
The length of the nasogastric tube inserted into a patient is frequently ill-considered. If an inappropriate length of tubing is passed this may result in feeding difficulties or inadequate aspiration of gastric contents. This study assessed the optimal length by assuming that the oesophagus is 25 cm long and that the tip of a nasogastric tube should lie 10 cm below the gastro-oesophageal junction. The portion of tubing from the anterior nasal spine to the cricopharyngeus was calculated by superimposing a Ryles tube over a soft tissue lateral neck radiograph. Two hundred and forty cases were reviewed by three independent observers. The median distance was found to be 21 cm. It is recommended that nasogastric tubes are marked at 56 cm and this point be secured level with the nasal vestibule.