BACKGROUND: The insertion of a nasogastric tube can be difficult in an anesthetized patient who has a cuffed endotracheal tube in place. The placement of a silastic nasogastric (NG) tube can lead to nasal bleeding or a submucosal dissection in the posterior pharynx. The aim of this study was to determine if the insertion of a nasogastric tube with a nasophryngeal airway can be made easy.

METHODS: Sixty patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups; Group 1 and Group 2. For Group 1, a nasogastric tube was inserted first. If this method was not successful with two consecutive attempts, then a nasogastric tube with a nasopharyngeal airway was inserted and if unsuccessful again with two attempts, then Magill forceps were used under laryngoscopy. For Group 2, a nasogastric tube with a nasopharyngeal airway was inserted first. If this method was not successful with two consecutive attempts, then a nasogastric tube was inserted and if unsuccessful again with two attempts, then Magill forceps were used under laryngoscopy.

RESULTS: The success rate of the 1st pass in Group 2 was significantly higher than in Group 1 (P < 0.05). The success rate with the 1st intended method in Group 2 was significantly higher than in Group 1 (P < 0.05). The rate of using Magill forceps was not significantly different between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS: The insertion of a nasogastric tube with a nasopharyngeal airway in anesthetized and intubated patients is effective in increasing success rate of insertion. Nasopharyngeal airway traverses the nasopharynx atraumatically and serves as a conduit for the smaller nasogastric tube.