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Effect of orogastric tubes on aspiration status and recommendations for oral feeding

Steven B Leder1, Cathy L Lazarus, Debra M Suiter

  • 1Department of Surgery, Section of Otolaryngology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8041, USA. steven.leder@yale.edu

Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery : Official Journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
|April 16, 2011
PubMed

Insights

An orogastric tube does not increase aspiration risk during swallowing evaluations. Patients can continue oral diets with orogastric tubes for nutritional support.

Area of Science:

  • Clinical Medicine
  • Gastroenterology
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • Orogastric tubes are commonly used for nutritional support in patients with swallowing difficulties.
  • The potential impact of orogastric tubes on swallowing function and aspiration risk requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if the presence of an orogastric tube influences the incidence of aspiration.
  • To assess the effect of orogastric tubes on oral diet recommendations.

Main Methods:

  • A case series design was employed with planned data collection.
  • Ten inpatients (2 pediatric, 8 adult) underwent two swallowing studies: one with an orogastric tube and one without.
  • Videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) or fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) was utilized.

Main Results:

  • No significant difference in overall aspiration incidence was observed regardless of orogastric tube presence (P = 1.0).
  • Aspiration risk did not differ based on food consistency (liquid or puree) with or without the tube.
  • All participants recommended for an oral diet successfully consumed food.

Conclusions:

  • Orogastric tubes do not appear to increase the incidence of aspiration during swallowing evaluations.
  • Swallowing assessments (VFSS/FEES) can be safely performed with an orogastric tube in place.
  • Orogastric tubes can be maintained for supplemental nutrition without contraindication until adequate oral intake is achieved.
Abstract

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