Orogastric

Orogastric refers to anything related to the mouth (oro) and the stomach (gastric). In medical contexts it most commonly describes devices and procedures that access the stomach through the mouth, notably the orogastric tube and orogastric intubation.

An orogastric tube is a flexible conduit inserted through the patient's mouth and advanced into the stomach. It is used for gastric decompression and drainage of stomach contents, for gastric lavage in certain poisonings, for post-operative drainage, and for some forms of enteral feeding when nasal access is not suitable. OG tubes come in various sizes and materials, such as silicone or latex, with openings at the tip and sometimes side holes to facilitate drainage and reduce obstruction. After placement, the tube is secured and its position is typically confirmed by aspirate pH testing, measurement of length markings, and, if needed, imaging.

Compared with nasogastric tubes, orogastric tubes may be chosen when the nasal route is unavailable or poorly tolerated, or when facial trauma or nasal pathology makes nasal placement impractical. Proper technique and placement verification are essential to minimize complications.

Indications include gastric decompression after surgery or in cases of bowel obstruction, gastric lavage for poisoning, and enteral feeding when oral intake is not possible and nasal routes are unsuitable. Complications can include misplacement into the airway, esophageal or gastric injury, mucosal trauma, aspiration, and tube obstruction. Vigilant monitoring, correct technique, and objective confirmation of tube position are important to patient safety.