Gastric Lavage

Gastric lavage was a routine practice in the 80s but is now considered ineffective and potentially dangerous for all poison patients.

It may be indicated within 1-2 hours after ingestion of a dangerous quantity of a very toxic substance with no good antidote or therapy available.

Examples of substances that may require Gastric lavage include Verapamil, Propranolol, Tricyclic antidepressants, and Culine.

Equipment needed for Gastric lavage includes suction, intubation equipment, OG tube, stabilizing device, lubricant, lavaging fluid, and Activated charcoal.

Procedure steps include securing the airway, measuring and lubricating the OG tube, positioning the patient, verifying tube placement, aspirating gastric contents, infusing warm water or saline, aspirating the fluid back out, administering Activated charcoal, and removing the tube.

The only current indication for Gastric lavage is in specific cases of toxic ingestions where no antidote or therapy is available.

It is important to protect the airway, position the patient correctly, verify tube placement, and repeat the lavage process until clear.

Researchers or sources featured

• Joseph Matry
• Rocky Mountain Poison Center