Deferring a nasogastric tube in non-operatively managed small bowel obstruction
Official title: The Effect of Nasogastric Tube Placement on Complications in Patients With Small Bowel Obstruction - the SBO-TUBE Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by University Hospital, Linkoeping · NCT07574515 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether not placing a nasogastric tube in patients with small bowel obstruction who are not having immediate surgery can reduce respiratory complications.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 1000 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Linkoeping Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Linköping and 2 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 27, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | June 11, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07574515 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults diagnosed with small bowel obstruction by CT who are planned for non-operative management and do not have an NGT placed, among other criteria.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with obstructions who benefit from early NGT placement or who have conditions excluded from the trial may not experience any improvement.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized, open-label study compares two management strategies for non-operatively treated small bowel obstruction: deferring nasogastric tube placement versus placing it. The goal is to see if delaying the NGT lowers respiratory complications such as pneumonia. Eligible participants have SBO diagnosed by CT and do not require urgent surgery. Exclusions include existing NGT, several neurologic conditions, dysphagia with prior stroke, and signs of pneumonia at baseline. Conducted at Linköping University Hospital and collaborating centers in Motala and Värnamo, Sweden, the trial aims to clarify best-practice for minimizing complications in SBO care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may have fewer respiratory complications and a simpler non-operative care pathway.
How similar studies have gone: Observational data have suggested higher pneumonia risk with NGT use, but randomized evidence in SBO is limited, making this a pioneering approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Small bowel obstruction diagnosed on Computer Tomography Exclusion Criteria: * Nasogastric Tube already places * Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis * Cerebral palsy * Dementia * Parkinson's disease * Multiple Sclerosis * Previous stroke with documented persistent dysphagia * Planned for urgent surgery * Acute Massive Gastric Dilatation * Gastric outlet obstruction * Fundoplicatio/Inability to vomit * Signs of pneumonia/pneumonitis on initial diagnostic CT
Where it's running
-
Linköping University Hospital
Linköping, Sweden Recruiting -
Motala Lasarett
Motala, Sweden Recruiting -
Värnamo Lasarett
Värnamo, Sweden Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jens Wretborn, Associate Professor — Clinical Department of Emergency Medicine in Linköping, Region Östergötland, Linköping, Sweden; Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Study coordinator: Jens Wretborn, Associate Professor
- Email: jens.wretborn@liu.se
- Phone: +46101030000
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.