Postoperative gastrointestinal decompression nursing for patients with esophageal cancer

After surgery, patients with esophageal cancer need to have a gastrointestinal decompression tube installed. That is, a gastric tube is inserted from the oral cavity or nasal cavity to suck out the gas and liquid accumulated in the gastrointestinal tract to reduce the tension of the anastomosis and the possibility of anastomotic leakage . Therefore, gastrointestinal decompression care is very important, and the following points should be noted:

1. The gastric tube must be fixed firmly to prevent displacement or dislocation. If the gastric tube is dislocated, the doctor should be notified immediately and the tube should not be inserted again. This is because the anastomosis may be damaged during tube insertion, causing anastomotic fistula.

2. The gastrointestinal decompression tube should be kept unobstructed, and attention should be paid to the color, flow and properties of the drainage fluid. If a small amount of blood is drained from the drainage tube 24 to 48 hours after surgery, it is normal and there is no need to be alarmed. If a large amount of blood is drained, a doctor should be sought immediately.

3. Strengthen oral care to prevent oral and respiratory infections. If necessary, nebulizer inhalation can be given to keep the oral cavity and respiratory tract moist and unobstructed.

4. If the patient feels discomfort in the throat due to irritation from the gastric tube, he or she can rinse the mouth with warm water and be sure to spit out the gargle after rinsing.

5. Gastrointestinal decompression generally lasts for 3 to 5 days. During this period, the tension on the anastomosis should be reduced to facilitate healing. The gastric tube can be removed only after bowel sounds recover or anal gas is discharged.