[Does a stomach tube enhance regurgitation during general anaesthesia?]

The effect of a gastric tube on the competence of the lower esophageal sphincter was studied in 7 patients who underwent gastric resection. In 6 patients the maximal gastric volume until occurrence of regurgitation was lower in the presence of a gastric tube compared with the measurement without a tube. This shows the necessity to remove a gastric tube prior to induction of anaesthesia.