Ryles Tube popularly referred to as ‘Nasogastric tube’ or NG tube is a long and narrow bore tube, made out of silicone or polyurethane. prominently ryles tube uses to gain access to a patient’s stomach and its contents. The Nasogastric tube is mainly used for the treatment of stroke patients with dysphagia and on patients on ventilators
The Nasogastric tube is inserted primarily for two purposes;
For Nasogastric Aspirations – Nasogastric Aspiration is the process of emptying the upper gastrointestinal tract of gastrointestinal secretion and swallowed air. Nasogastric aspiration is also used in cases of poisoning to drain the ingested toxic liquid and to extract gastric liquid samples for analysis.
Ryles tube uses for feeding and administering medicines and other oral agents like activated charcoal.
Nasogastric tubes are of three types, namely;
Levin Tube: Levin tube is a single lumen rubber or plastic tube mainly used for the administration of medication and or nutrition.
Salem Sump Tube: The Salem sump tube is a large bore tube with double lumen. One lumen is meant for suction and drainage, while the other smaller lumen is used for ventilation.
Moss Tube: The Moss tube is a triple lumen tube with radiopaque tip. The first lumen is positioned and inflated in the cardia, the second lumen serves as oesophageal aspiration port and the third lumen is used as duodenal feeding port.
Here are a few pointers to follow for effective nasogastric tube care at home;