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 stomach 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 gastric ulcer, gastritis, reflux disease, atony of the stomach, intestinal obstruction, and others. In addition, a gastric tube is used for artificial nutrition of postoperative patients.
Using a probe, gastric lavage is performed in case of poisoning by spoiled food or poisons. Lavatory sounding is also carried out in case of 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. Fat probe
Let us describe in more detail a thick gastric tube. Dimensions of its rubber tube:
- length from 70 to 80 cm;
- up to 12 mm in diameter;
- inner clearance 0.8 mm.
The far end of the tube to be inserted into the stomach is rounded. He is called blind. The second end of the probe is called open. Just above the rounding are two oval- shaped openings . Through them, the contents of the stomach enter the probe. 40, 45 and 55 cm from the rounded end are marked. They correspond to the depth of immersion, that is, the distance from the dentition to the gastric entrance.
Basically, such a gastric tube is used for washing or simultaneously obtaining the contents of the stomach.
Thin probe
This device is 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 introduced into the stomach, is equipped with a special olive from ebonite or silver. The olive has openings for the contents of the stomach. Three marks are applied to the tube: 45, 70, 90. The depth of immersion is determined from them. 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 near the Vater's nipple.
Swallowing a thin probe is much easier. It almost does not cause a vomiting reflex and can be in the stomach for a long time. This allows the use of thin probes to monitor the separation of gastric juice and conduct fractional samples of the contents of the investigated cavity.
For nasal administration of a thin probe, a soft tube without olive is used. Such a probe is much easier to insert and can be used much longer. Most often, nasal probes are installed after complex operations or with atony of the stomach.
Duodenal probe
Such a gastric tube is intended for insertion into the duodenum. Such probing is prescribed in cases of liver or biliary tract disease. The probe allows you to aspirate the bile excreted for the study. 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 provided with a hollow metal olive with holes. The size of the thickening is 2 by 0.5 cm. Labels are applied to the tube to control immersion. Their location is 40 (45), 70 and 80 cm from the olive. The farthest mark approximately shows the distance from the front teeth to the papilla (duodenum).
The need for enteral (probe) nutrition
In 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. For this, a thin gastric tube with a conductor is used. Enteral nutrition through a probe avoids degenerative changes in the intestinal walls. For further recovery, this is very important.
Probe installation
To correctly install 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.
The placement of a gastric tube through the mouth requires measuring the distance from the teeth to the navel with a thread (plus the width of the palm). The corresponding mark is placed on the tube from the blind end. The paramedic stands at the side of the patient and places the rounded end on the root of the tongue. Next, the patient performs swallowing movements, and the paramedic advances the probe tube to the appropriate mark.
When a probe is inserted through the nose, the distance from the protruding part of the nose to the earlobe is preliminarily measured, and after that, from the earlobe to the xiphoid process of the sternum. 2 marks are applied on a tube.