BACKGROUND: Nasogastric intubation (NGI) has been used after abdominal surgery to prevent complications. However, the classic concept that gastric decompression prevents complications is being questioned. The aim of this study was to evaluate the lack of gastric decompression as a safe method in patients undergoing transduodenal papilotomy, choledocal-duodenal anastomosis or hepatic-jejunostomy Roux-en-Y. METHODS: Twenty-four patients were submitted to transduodenal papilotomy (10), choledocal-duodenal anastomosis (10) or hepatic-jejunostomy Roux-en-Y (4) without gastric decompression using tube. RESULTS: Sixteen (66%) patients didn’t present vomiting. There was no postoperative abdominal distension or vomiting. There was no case of dehiscence of duodenostomy, anastomosis or abdominal wall. None presented pulmonary complications. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that transduodenal papilotomy and choledocal-duodenal anastomosis without NGI are not associated to postoperative complications. Futhermore, this approach avoids the risk of using NGI, reducing hospital costs.
Intubation, gastrointestinal; Decompression, surgical; Anastomosis, surgical
