Feasibility of complete nasogastric tube omission in esophagectomy patients

Abstract

Routine nasogastric tube (NGT) placement is a common practice in esophagectomy patients. However, its continued application has been controversial in recent years. In this review, we will discuss the potential risks and benefits, including anastomosis leak, pneumonia, NGT reinsertion, patients’ discomfort and hospital length of stay, to evaluate the feasibility of complete NGT omission in esophagectomy patients.