Use of Nasogastric Tubes in Adult Patients with Small Bowel Obstruction

A small bowel obstruction is a blockage in the small intestine, usually caused by scar tissue (adhesions) from previous abdominal surgery. It is a medical emergency that causes severe abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and vomiting. Current standard management involves inserting a nasogastric (NG) tube through the nose and down into the stomach to decompress the bowel by draining accumulated fluid and air. However, there is surprisingly little research evidence proving that this NG tube actually helps patients avoid surgery or recover faster. This randomised controlled trial is comparing two approaches in patients admitted to hospital with a small bowel obstruction after previous abdominal surgery: one group receives the standard NG tube treatment, while the other group is managed without the NG tube. The study will measure how many patients in each group ultimately need surgery, how long they stay in hospital, and how their recovery compares. You may be eligible if you are 18 or older, have had previous abdominal surgery, have arrived directly from home, and an X-ray or CT scan confirms a small bowel obstruction. People with known cancer-related blockages, hernias causing obstruction, signs of bowel dying, or who have already had a tube inserted would not be eligible.