Gastric Lavage Procedure

Definition- This is the irrigation or washing out of the stomach.

Purpose
1. To remove alcoholic, narcotic or any other poisoning, which has been swallowed.
2. To clean the stomach before operation
3. To relive congestion, there by stimulating peristalsis e.g. Pyloric stenosis
4. For diagnostic purposes

1. Gastric Lavage Using a Simple Rubber Tube

Equipment:
Clean trolley.
• Bowel containing large esophageal tube in ice (cold water)
• Rubber tubing with screw or clip and glass connection
• Metal or plastic funnel
• Large Jug (5 litter)
• Solution as prescription/usually to care for acidic poisoning. We use sodium bicarbonate 1 teaspoon to 500 cc. of water at a temperature of 370c - 380c.)
• Small jug to carry solution to the funnel
• Lubricant e.g. liquid paraffin
• Bowl for gauze swabs
• Cape or protective material to put around the patient chest
• Pail to receive returned fluid
• Mackintosh or paper to protect the floor beneath the pail
• Receiver for used esophageal tube
• Paper bag for waste material
• A tray for mouth wash after lavage
• Denature cup.
• A receiver for pt's dentures. If any, and should be labeled with the pt's name
• A receiver containing mount gag, tongue depressor, and tongue forceps if patient is unconscious
• Mackintosh to protect bed linen
• Litmus paper
• Specimen battle. If laboratory test is requires
• Measuring jug

Procedure
1. Explain procedure to the pt and ask him/her to remove artificial dentures, If any.
2. Protect pt with cape or towel
3. Protect bed linen by spreading the mackintosh on the accessible side of the bed.
4. Place mackintosh or paper under the pail to protect the floor
5. Elevate head of the bed it pt is conscious and the condition permits. But if unconscious, place in prone position with head over the edge of the bed or head lower than the body.
6. Measure the tube from the tip of the nose up to the ear lobe and from the bridge of the nose to the end of the sternum. (32 - 36 c.m.)
7. Gently pass the tube over the tongue, slightly to one side of the midline towards the pharynx. (If patient is unconscious, mouth gug may be used)
8. Ask patient to swallow while inserting the tube and allow to breath in between swallowing.
9. If air bubbles, cough and cyanosis are noticed the tube is with drawn and procedure commenced again.
10. After inserting, place funnel end in a basin of water to check if the tube is in the air passage.
11. Fill the small pint measure and power gently until the funnel is empty, then invert over the pail.
12. Take specimen. If required, and continue the process until the returned fluid becomes clear and the prescribed solution has been used.
13. Remove tube gently and give mouth wash
14. Measure the amount of fluid returned and record
15. Report and abnormality e.g. blood stain or clots or pieces of the gut.