MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Traumatic nasogastric or endotracheal intubation

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Traumatic nasogastric or endotracheal intubation

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Illustrations	Definition

Illustrations

Esophagus

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Traumatic nasogastric or endotracheal intubation involves putting a tube through the nose into the trachea (airway) or into the stomach.

This may be done to maintain breathing or prevent aspiration (inhaling) of food into the airway. It may also be done to relieve excess air from the stomach, or to deliver nutrients or drugs into the stomach.

The term traumatic refers to tissue irritation or damage that occurs because of the procedure.

Update Date: 7/25/2007

Updated by: James L. Demetroulakos, M.D., F.A.C.S., Department of Otolaryngology, North Shore Medical Center, Salem, MA. Clinical Instructor in Otology and Laryngology, Harvard Medical School. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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