gastric lavage

Gastric lavage

Also called a stomach pump. For this procedure, a flexible tube is inserted through the nose, down the throat, and into the stomach and the contents of the stomach are suctioned out. The inside of the stomach is rinsed with a saline (salt water) solution.

Mentioned in: Drug Overdose, Poisoning

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gastric lavage,

the washing out of the stomach with sterile water or a saline solution. The procedure is performed before and after surgery to remove irritants or toxic substances and possibly before such examinations as endoscopy or gastroscopy. See also irrigation.

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lavage

1. irrigation or washing out of an organ or cavity, as of the stomach or intestine.

2. to wash out, or irrigate. See also wash.

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abdominal lavage

the infusion of saline into the peritoneal cavity, usually through a catheter inserted through the abdominal wall, for diagnostic purposes. The fluid returned may be examined for red blood cells, bacteria, enzymes, etc. Called also peritoneal lavage.

bronchoalveolar lavage

percutaneous entry of a catheter between tracheal rings, followed by infusion of a small volume of normal sterile saline which is then aspirated. The sample is submitted to microbiological and histopathological examination.

colonic lavage

irrigation of the colon, usually to remove ingested toxins.

gastric lavage

gastric lavage, or irrigation of the stomach, is usually done to remove ingested poisons. The solutions used for gastric lavage are physiological saline, 1% sodium bicarbonate, plain water or a specific antidote for the poison. A gastric tube is passed and then the irrigating fluid is funneled into the tube. It is allowed to flow into the stomach by gravity. The solution is removed by siphonage; when the funnel is lowered, the fluid flows out, bringing with it the contents of the stomach. Called also gavage.

ice water lavage

administration of ice water through a stomach tube is used in the treatment of acute upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage. There is a risk of inducing hypothermia.

ruminal lavage

used in the treatment of carbohydrate engorgement. Serial gavages are performed until the fluid comes back clear. A 2.5 in (6 cm) diameter Kingman tube is necessary if any bulk of material is to be retrieved and a hose from a tap is the only practical irrigating mechanism.

subpalpebral lavage

a method of medicating the eye, particularly useful in treating corneal ulcerations in horses. Tubing is inserted from the conjunctival sac through the upper eyelid and extended onto the head or neck. Medication can then be delivered continuously in a drip.

thoracic lavage

irrigation of a pleural sac via a paracentesis cannula.

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gastric lavage

Gastric washing Internal medicine A procedure in which a nasogastric tube is passed into the stomach, and fluid obtained