“The prophylactic use of nasogastric tubes after abdominal operations, flexible tubes inserted through the nose, pharynx, oesophagus and into the stomach, has happened only in the last century, becoming so prevalent that it has been variously described as “the standard of care” (Montgomery 1996), “traditionally used by most surgeons” (Lee 2002), “common practice” (Cunningham 1992, Sakadamis 1999, Manning 2001), “unquestioned” (Savassi-Rocha 1992), and “routine” (Wolff 1989). What is to be achieved by this prophylaxis is gastric decompression, decreased likelihood of nausea and vomiting, decreased distention, less chance of pulmonary aspiration and pneumonia, less chance of wound separation and infection, less chance of fascial dehiscence and hernia, earlier return of bowel function, and earlier hospital discharge.”
