Evaluating the use of nasogastric tubes for small bowel obstruction treatment

The Utility of Treatment With Nasogastric Tube Placement for Small Bowel Obstruction in Adult Patients in the Emergency Department; an Observational Multicenter Study

University Hospital, Linkoeping · NCT06262815

This study is testing if using a nasogastric tube can help relieve pain and improve outcomes for adults with small bowel obstruction.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment400 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Linkoeping (other)
Locations8 sites (Göteborg and 7 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06262815 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the effectiveness of nasogastric tube placement in patients diagnosed with small bowel obstruction (SBO). It aims to assess the utility of this treatment approach, which has been a standard practice since the 1930s, in alleviating pain and improving patient outcomes. The study will include patients aged 18 and older who have been diagnosed with SBO, while excluding those who have undergone abdominal surgery recently or cannot provide informed consent. The research will analyze the impact of nasogastric tube placement on morbidity and mortality in SBO cases.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older diagnosed with small bowel obstruction.

Not a fit: Patients who have had abdominal surgery within the last 7 days or are unable to provide informed consent may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could clarify the role of nasogastric tube placement in managing small bowel obstruction, potentially improving patient care and outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous retrospective studies have explored this topic, but this is one of the first prospective evaluations of nasogastric tube placement in SBO management.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosed small bowel obstruction
* Age 18 or older

Exclusion Criteria:

* Abdominal surgery within 7 days
* Not able to give informed consent

Where this trial is running

Göteborg and 7 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Small Bowel Obstruction, Frailty, Nasogastric Tube, Small bowel obstruction, nasogastric tube, pain, mortality, morbidity

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.