[Evaluation of the gastrointestinal decompression after gastrectomy: a prospective randomized controlled trial].

Objective: To evaluate the value of using nasogastric tube for patients after gastrectomy.
Methods: One hundred and eight patients undergone gastrectomy were divided randomizely into nasogastric decompression group(n=53) and non-nasogastric decompression group (n=55). Gastrointestinal function and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups.
Results: Between nasogastric decompression group and non-nasogastric decompression group, no significant differences in postoperative complications (20.8% vs 23.6%, P=0.719), postoperative time of flatus [(3.2+/-0.9) d vs (3.0+/-0.7) d, P=0.192], recovery time of drinking [(5.9+/-3.4) d vs (5.1+/-1.6) d, P=0.143], eating time of fluid food [(7.8+/-3.6) d vs (6.8+/-1.8) d, P=0.085] and eating time of semi-fluid food [(9.8+/-3.5) d vs (8.8+/-1.9) d, P=0.081] were found. While the recovery time of bowl sound [(1.8+/-0.7) d vs (2.2+/-0.9) d, (P=0.013)] and hospital stay [(10.2+/-2.1) d vs (11.7+/-4.3) d, (P=0.021)] were shorter in non-nasogastric decompression group.
Conclusion: It is not necessary to use nasogastric decompression for patients after gastrectomy.