Gastric lavageBy: GROUP 2

BackgroundCommonly called stomach pumping or Gastric irrigation, is the process of cleaning out the contents of the stomach. It has been used for over 200 years as a means of eliminating poisons from the stomach.

BackgroundThey may also be used before surgery, to clear the contents of the digestive tract before it is opened. Apart from toxicology, gastric lavage (or nasogastric lavage) is sometimes used to confirm levels of bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract.

BackgroundIt may play a role in the evaluation of hematemesis. It can also be used as a cooling technique for hyperthermic patients.

IndicationsUsed infrequently in modern poisonings and some authorities have suggested that it not be used routinely, if ever, in poisoning situations

ContraindicationsPatients have a compromised, unprotected airway. Patients at risk of gastrointestinal hemorrhage or perforation. Poisoning is due to a corrosive substance (T54.), hydrocarbons (T53.), or for poisons that have an effective antidote.

Alternativesoral administration of activated carbon, a form of carbon with a large surface area for binding poisons, preventing absorption by the gastrointestinal tract.

Complicationsrisk is aspiration pneumonia, which is more likely to occur if hydrocarbons are ingested or in patients without a protected airway. Laryngospasm Hypoxia

ComplicationsBradycardia Epistaxis Hyponatremia

ComplicationsHypochloremia Water intoxication, or mechanical injury to the stomach.

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