Real-time visualization of the gastrointestinal tract during nasogastric tube placement: Pilot study of new video-Assisted system.

Abstract

Background and study aims: Nasogastric (NG) tubes are commonly inserted blindly, leading to complications. Existing NG tube placement-assisting systems face safety and cost-effectiveness issues. This study aimed to evaluate a new assisting system using a camera probe inserted into the NG tube to provide real-time visualization.

Patients and methods: Thirty patients requiring nasogastric tube placement were prospectively included. The primary objective was to determine the success rate of NG tube placement, while the secondary objectives included assessment of usability and safety of this system.

Results: Our findings revealed a high success rate of 96.7%. Median time to complete NG tube placement was 3.8 minutes. No serious complications were observed during the 7-day follow-up period. Operator feedback indicated this system helps facilitate NG tube placement, identify the gastric mucosa and safety landmark, and ease of camera wire removal. However, image visibility received a slightly lower score due to gastrointestinal secretions entering the NG tube through the side hole. To address this, air insufflation was used to enhance visibility in 13 patients.

Conclusions: The video-assisted system provides real-time visualization of the gastrointestinal tract during tube insertion and has been shown to enhance the safety and effectiveness of NG tube placement.