Abstract
Background: According to current international standards, gastric lavage (GL) should not be employed routinely, if ever, in the management of poisoned patients. Several clinical studies have demonstrated that the risks outweigh the benefits of this procedure. The utility of GL decreases as a function of time and is minimally effective more than one hour after toxin ingestion. Nonetheless, observational experience suggests that this procedure is still widely practiced in response to toxic ingestion in India. This study aims to quantify the prevalence and scope of gastric lavage use among healthcare providers in India. Methods: A convenience sample of 81 acute care hospital-based health providers practicing throughout India were anonymously surveyed at the 12 th Annual Conference of the Society for Emergency Medicine in Ahmedabad, India, November 2010. The survey included questions on the frequency and scope of GL use. Results: 68 respondents (86%) claim that they use GL in treating at least 50% of their poisoned patients. 55 (70%) claim that they would use GL more than 1 hour after the ingestion of a poison, and 19 (24%) claim they would use it up to 6 hours after ingestion. 78 respondents (96%) claim they would not use lavage to treat ingestion of caustic or corrosive substances; however, substantially fewer respondents claim they would not use lavage in cases of hydrocarbons (31, 38%), large objects (22,27%), or sharp objects (47,58%). Conclusion: Despite extensive evidence demonstrating little benefit and significant risk of GL in the management of poisoned patients, it is still practiced in India. Further research should explore why this practice is still common when less risky and more effective, evidence-based alternatives are available.
Highlights
The treatment of poisoned patients involved a wide variety of aggressive gastrointestinal decontamination techniques
Not an absolute contraindication, gastric lavage is usually not performed for large objects or sharp objects [3]
There was no significant correlation between years of experience and utilization of gastric lavage (GL) (p < 0.7451)
Summary
The treatment of poisoned patients involved a wide variety of aggressive gastrointestinal decontamination techniques. Standard procedure as dictated by the American Academy of Clinical Toxicology (AACT) and European Association of Poisons Centers and Clinical Toxicologists (EAPCCT) is use of a large bore orogastric tube, such as 36-40 French, with lavage performed using small aliquots of saline (200-300 ml) [2]. This is to best facilitate recovery of particulate matter [3].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
