NG tube for Esophageal Cancer Pt?

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Hi,

I read from my textbook saying that post op pt for esophagectomy might require an NG tube...how is that possible? Can someone please explain?

Thanks in advance!

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During an esophagectomy, they can reform the parts of the GI tract into a tube that serves as the foodpipe. There isn't a complete separation of the upper and lower GI tract.

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Specializes in Gerontological, cardiac, med-surg, peds.

This is an excellent site and includes the rationale for NGT post esophagectomy and a bit of A & P:

http://www.roswellpark.org/Patient_Care/Types_of_Cancer/Esophageal/Esophageal_Center_Patient_Handbook/Ivor_Lewis_Esophagectomy

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Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.

Only the section of the esophagus that is diseased is removed. Most surgeons like to retain the continuity of the GI tract so the patient will be able to eat normally again. An anastomosis is performed with the two remaining ends of the GI tract that are left or a section of the patient's stomach, intestine or colon is used to replace the section of the esophagus that was removed. The N/G tube is placed to keep the stomach drained of gastric secretions.

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