A tube is inserted through the nose or mouth, down the esophagus, and into the stomach. Sometimes a topical anesthetic may be applied to minimize irritation and gagging as the tube is being placed.

Stomach contents can be removed using suction immediately or after irrigating water through the tube.

In an emergency setting such as when a patient has swallowed poison or is vomiting blood, no preparation is needed for gastric suction. When it is done for the analysis of gastric acid, your physician may ask you to fast overnight or stop taking certain medications.

• To remove poisons, toxic substances, or overdosed medications from the stomach
• To irrigate and clean the stomach prior to performing an upper endoscopy (EGD) in someone who has been vomiting blood
• To collect stomach acid contents for further analysis
• To provide relief and decompression in someone with intestinal obstruction

There is a very small risk of the tube being accidentally placed into the airway instead of the esophagus.

Other small risks include the following:

• Aspiration of gastric contents
• Perforation of the esophagus
• Minor bleeding