ABSTRACT
A nasogastric (NG) tube is a narrow-bore tube that is passed into the stomach through the nasal cavity. It may be used to aspirate the stomach contents and to provide nutritional support. It may be used to introduce certain medications. NG tubes that are inserted to feed patients are thinner than the wide-bore Ryles tubes that are used for drainage. Diagnostic gastroscopy is indicated to investigate dyspepsia, abdominal pain, dysphagia, anaemia, weight loss, persistent vomiting and haematemesis, and to take biopsies of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) mucosa. Abdominal paracentesis is contraindicated in patients with coagulopathy or thrombocytopenia, in pregnant women, and in patients with infection of the abdominal wall or intestinal obstruction. The complications of gastroscopy include damage to the GI tract from the endoscope, leading to perforation and bleeding and the introduction of infection. Close attention must be paid to the patient's observations following endoscopy to monitor for evidence of haemodynamic instability or of bacteraemia.
