Using ultrasound to check nasogastric tube position

Ultrasound to Check the Adequate Position of the Nasogastric Tube to Improve Patient Management and Safety

Not applicable Interventional Dr. Negrin University Hospital · NCT06635915

This study tests if ultrasound can quickly and safely check if a nasogastric tube is in the right place for patients after surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment114 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorDr. Negrin University Hospital Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Palmas de GRAN Canaria, LAS, Las Palmas and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06635915 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the reliability of ultrasound as a method for verifying the correct positioning of nasogastric tubes (NGT) in patients after surgery. It involves 114 patients, half of whom have an NGT placed, and the other half do not. The ultrasound examination will be conducted in the immediate postoperative period to determine the presence or absence of the NGT without the need for additional diagnostic tests like chest X-rays. The study aims to establish ultrasound as a quick, non-invasive alternative for NGT verification.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old who have undergone surgery requiring NGT placement and are classified as ASA I-IV.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications for NGT placement or those classified as ASA V will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce the need for chest X-rays, minimizing radiation exposure and streamlining postoperative care.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of ultrasound for various diagnostic purposes is well-established, this specific application for NGT verification is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients classified as ASA I-IV according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists
* Patients over 18 years old.
* Informed consent signed by the patient or their family representatives

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients classified as ASA V.
* Patients under 18 years old.
* Refusal to participate in the study.
* Contraindication for nasogastric tube placement: ingestion of caustics, nasal or skull fractures, and cervical surgery.
* Patients with anatomical abnormalities at the cervical or pharyngoesophageal level.

Where this trial is running

Palmas de GRAN Canaria, LAS, Las Palmas and 1 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.
Conditions Nasogastric Tube Placementnasogastric tube placementultrasoundpostoperative diagnosismonitoring
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.