Surgical Suction Tubes
Suction involves removing solids, liquids, or gasses from the stomach or
small intestine by inserting a tube through the nose/ mouth and suctioning
the gastrointestinal material through the tube.
Different types of nasogastric suction tubes have a different purpose.
Tubes used for stomach flushing are called orogastric tubes. They have a
large diameter. Tubes that are inserted through the lower opening of the
stomach (pylorus) into the small intestine are stiff and have a balloon tip.
Once the stomach tube is inserted, it has to be checked for proper
placement. This is done by sucking gently or injecting air into the tube and
listening to the stomach with a stethoscope. The tube is then taped securely
to prevent movement. The tube is then attached to a suction device. The
person can be detached from the suction device for short intervals.
The tubes now manufactured are mostly disposable type to avoid infection
and contamination.
