The gastric tube is used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. This device makes it possible to examine the contents of the gastrointestinal tract and, if necessary, the duodenum. Externally, the gastric tube is a soft rubber tube. Depending on the purpose, it can be of different diameters: thick and thin.
In what cases is probing prescribed
Gastric sounding is an informative and safe procedure. It can be prescribed for many diseases, such as stomach ulcers, gastritis, reflux disease, gastric atony, intestinal obstruction and others. In addition, a gastric tube is used for artificial nutrition of postoperative patients.
With the help of a probe, gastric lavage is carried out in case of poisoning with spoiled food or poisons. Also, flushing probing is carried out with stenosis of the gastric inlet and in case of release of toxic substances through the gastric mucosa, for example, in case of renal failure.
Types of probes. Thick probe
Describe in more detail the thick gastric tube. Dimensions of its rubber tube:
- length from 70 to 80 cm;
- up to 12 mm in diameter;
- inner lumen 0.8 mm.
The far end of the tube to be inserted into the stomach is rounded. They call him blind. The other end of the probe is called open. Just above the rounding are two oval-shaped holes. Through them, the contents of the stomach enter the probe. After 40, 45 and 55 cm from the rounded end marks are applied. They correspond to the depth of immersion, that is, the distance from the dentition to the gastric inlet.
Basically, such a gastric tube is used for lavage or simultaneous receipt of stomach contents.
Slim Probe
This is a device in the form of a thin rubber tube, the length of which is 1.5 m. The diameter of this tube does not exceed 3 mm. The end, which is inserted into the stomach, is equipped with a special olive made of ebonite or silver. The olive has holes for stomach contents. Three marks are applied to the tube: 45, 70, 90. They determine the depth of immersion. At the same time, 45 cm is the distance from the dentition to the entrance to the gastric sac, 70 cm is the distance from the dentition to the pylorus, 90 cm is the probe located at the Vater nipple.
Swallowing a thin probe is much easier. It almost does not cause a gag reflex and can be in the stomach for a long time. This allows you to use thin probes to monitor the separation of gastric juice and conduct fractional samples of the contents of the examined cavity.
For nasal insertion of a thin probe, use a soft tube without an olive. Insert such a probemuch lighter and can be used much longer. Most often, nasal probes are installed after complex operations or with atony of the stomach.
Duodenal probe
This gastric tube is designed to be inserted into the duodenum. Assign similar probing in cases of liver disease or biliary tract. The probe allows you to aspirate the secreted bile for research. A probe is made in the form of a flexible rubber tube, the diameter of which does not exceed 5 mm. The length of the probe is 1.5 m. The end, immersed in the stomach, is equipped with a hollow metal olive with holes. The size of the thickening is 2 by 0.5 cm. Marks are applied to the tube to control immersion. Their location is 40 (45), 70 and 80 cm from the olive. The farthest mark roughly shows the distance from the front teeth to the papilla (duodenum).
Need for enteral (tube) nutrition
For some diseases, patients receive parenteral nutrition. This means that nutrients are introduced into the body intravenously, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract. But such nutrition is not always justified, since the process of absorption of nutrients from the gastrointestinal tract has several advantages. The process of introducing nutrient solutions into the stomach or small intestine is called enteral nutrition. To do this, use a thin gastric tube with a conductor. Enteral feeding through a tube avoids degenerative changes in the intestinal walls. For further recovery, this is very important.
Probe placement
To properly place the gastric tube, the patient is prepared for manipulation. If he is conscious, explain the nuances of the procedure. Be sure to measure the pressure, count the pulse and check the airway.
Staging a gastric tube through the mouth requires measuring the distance from the teeth to the navel (plus the width of the palm) with a thread. The corresponding mark is placed on the tube from the blind end. The he alth worker stands to the side of the patient and places the rounded end on the root of the tongue. Next, the patient performs swallowing movements, and the he alth worker advances the probe tube to the appropriate mark.
When placing the probe through the nose, the distance from the protruding part of the nose to the earlobe is first measured, and then from the lobe to the xiphoid process of the sternum. 2 marks are applied to the tube.
