Question:
why do some surgeons use an NG tube and others do not?

I found out that I will not be having an NG tube for my surgery in less than a week. Just wondered why most out there have to have them and some do not. The nurse's only answer was basically that they found it to not be a neccissity.    — anne H. (posted on June 22, 1999)

June 22, 1999
I know the reason my surgeon used an NG tube. HE IS A SADIST. (Just kidding). Be thankful. The NG tube is the true definition of misery. The abdominal pain from coughing was nothing compared to the NG tube discomfort. My surgeon takes every precaution in his surgeries. Right after the operation, your stoma (the opening between the bottom of your new stomach and the intestines) gets very swollen from the insult of surgery. This may cause it to temporarily swell to the point where the oral secretions you swallow all the time do not pass through the stomach. This may cause a back up of fluids and you might vomit them up and breathe them into your lungs. Additionally, for a few days you continue to secrete a bloody fluid from the suture lines and the NG tube sucks them back out, keeping you from getting nauseated and vomiting it up. I remember that my NG suction bag always had quite a bit of bloody fluid for about 2 to 3 days. After about 3 days it was no longer bloody.
   — Deborah L.

June 22, 1999
Just like any other profession, surgeons each have their own way of doing things. Mine does not use an NG tube. As with yours he just does not feel it to be necessary. I came through surgery just fine without one.
   — dboat

September 12, 1999
I find it intersting that everyone who had an NG tube says how awful and painful t is, but the surgeon says it is no problem. Seriously though. while I will hate it if I have to have one, it sounds like an important safety tool. If you have read the story in the unexpected, it is possible that she is in a coma because of not having an NG tube. It is possible she vomited and then inhaled it causing her to stop breathing. will take the NG tube for a few days over brain damage any day!
   — [Anonymous]

January 1, 2000
I was so lucky. Had my surgery on 12/28/99 and my surgeon pulls the tube out BEFORE you even wake up. So I didn't have to deal with this, which I've heard is terribly uncomfortable.
   — Jeannie W.