[Nasointestinal intubation in surgery of acute intestinal obstruction and peritonitis: past, present and future]

The authors analyze history of development nasointestinal intubation for abdominal decompression in patients acute intestinal obstruction and widespread peritonitis, contribution of Russian and foreign surgical schools to improvement and popularization of this technique. Advisability, clinical efficacy, advantages and disadvantages of this method are stated. The prospects of nasointestinal intubation in the foreseeable future are considered in these patients. Certain technical features of nasointestinal intubation and complications are described. The causes of negative attitude of foreign surgeons to nasointestinal intubation and motivation for refusing of this technique are discussed. Considering the arguments of supporters and opponents, the authors conclude that complete rejection of this technique is premature. A differentiated approach to nasointestinal intubation according to strict indications seems to be more legitimate than categorical rejection.