Clinical analysis of common complications induced by long nasointestinal tubes: A retrospective cohort study

Aim: The aim of this study was to discuss the common complications induced by long nasointestinal tubes (LTs) and prophylactic therapeutic measures. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed, consisting of 88 patients treated with LT for acute bowel obstruction (including 61 patients who underwent plication of the small intestine by LT). Our study included 75 patients with an adhesive bowel obstruction, 5 patients with a malignant intestinal obstruction, 4 patients with an early postoperative inflammatory bowel obstruction, and 4 patients with a fecal obstruction. Results: The prevalence of nasopharyngeal discomfort and pain was 95.4%, and 44.3% of patients had an electrolyte disorder and another 3.4% were diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia. Among 25% of patients who had catheter-related accidents (15.9% with tube obstructions, 5.6% with unexpected catheter shedding, 1.1% with anterior balloon rupture, and 2.3% with catheter expelled from the anus), no tube breakage occurred. Conclusion: Nasopharyngeal discomfort and pain, electrolyte disorders, and tube obstructions are common complications when using LTs. Although their incidence rate is low, aspiration pneumonia, intestinal hemorrhage, perforation, and necrosis are more severe complications. Such severe complications should be taken seriously, and prophylactic therapeutic measures must be taken to minimize their occurrence. In general, the use of LTs is safe, effective, and worthy of wide use in clinical practice.