Naso-intestinal tube is more effective in treating postoperative ileus than naso-gastric tube in elderly colorectal cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to compare the effect of naso-intestinal tube and naso-gastric tube in relieving postoperative ileus in elderly patients with colorectal cancer.

METHODS

Patients (n = 46) with ileus symptom following radical surgery for treating colorectal cancer were placed with either naso-intestinal tube at duodenum or conventional naso-gastric tube. Then, their waist perimeter, intra abdominal pressure, maximum diameter in bowls, length of time to pass flatus or passage of bowel movement or to return to diet, length of hospital stay, daily drainage, serum levels of lactic acid, hemoglobin, and creatinine as well were compared.

RESULTS

Naso-intestinal tube placement is more effective than naso-gastric tube in relieving intra abdominal pressures, reducing maximum bowl diameter and waist circumference, correcting serum lactic acid levels, alleviating analgesia dependence, regaining serum albumin level, increasing drainage and shortening the time of length of hospital stay, passing flatus or faces, and time to return to diet.

CONCLUSIONS

Naso-intestinal tube is effective in treating POI and shows advantage over conventional naso-gastric tube insertion.