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Passing a nasogastric tube (NGT) is an important therapeutic and diagnostic technique for any patient with abdominal pain. It should be performed in any patient with abdominal pain. It has three functions. Firstly it is used to determine if there is excessive fluid in the proximal gastrointestinal tract (stomach and small intestine). If this is the case, the tube can act to remove this fluid and relieve the visceral pain associated with the distended stomach. This will prevent a fatal spontaneous rupture of the stomach. Secondly, the NGT can be used to remove esophageal obstructions in cases of choke. Thirdly, the NGT can be used therapeutically to administer large volumes of fluids, electrolytes and oral medications.

Passing a nasogastric tube (NGT) is an important therapeutic and diagnostic technique for any patient with abdominal pain. It should be performed in any patient with abdominal pain. It has three functions. Firstly it is used to determine if there is excessive fluid in the proximal gastrointestinal tract (stomach and small intestine). If this is the case, the tube can act to remove this fluid and relieve the visceral pain associated with the distended stomach. This will prevent a fatal spontaneous rupture of the stomach. Secondly, the NGT can be used to remove esophageal obstructions in cases of choke. Thirdly, the NGT can be used therapeutically to administer large volumes of fluids, electrolytes and oral medications.