Gastric Lavage in Karnataka
Washing out stomach contents through a tube after ingestion of a toxic substance, most effective within 1 hour.
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What is Gastric Lavage?
Washing out stomach contents through a tube after ingestion of a toxic substance, most effective within 1 hour.
30–60 min
Observation 4–24 hours depending on poison
₹3,000 – ₹10,000
None or Sedation
Variable
Inpatient
Why Gastric Lavage Is Needed
Gastric lavage is used in emergency settings following the ingestion of a toxic substance, poison, or dangerous overdose of medication, particularly when the patient presents within about an hour of ingestion and the substance is not corrosive. It is also occasionally used to clear the stomach before certain endoscopic procedures in cases of significant upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
Signs You May Need Gastric Lavage
Indications include a known or strongly suspected recent ingestion of a poison or excessive medication dose, especially in an unconscious or severely symptomatic patient, alongside signs like vomiting, altered consciousness, or abnormal vital signs consistent with toxicity. It is generally reserved for situations where the ingested substance poses a serious, life-threatening risk.
Types of Gastric Lavage
The standard technique involves passing a large-bore tube through the mouth or nose into the stomach and repeatedly instilling and withdrawing fluid to flush out stomach contents. It differs by purpose, being used purely for decontamination after poisoning versus being used diagnostically or therapeutically to clear blood and clots in cases of significant GI bleeding before endoscopy.
Hospitals offering Gastric Lavage (0)
No hospitals listed yet for this procedure in Karnataka — check back soon or browse all hospitals.
Specialists offering Gastric Lavage (0)
No specialists listed yet for this procedure in Karnataka.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is gastric lavage still commonly used today?
Its use has declined significantly in modern toxicology because it is only effective within a narrow time window and carries risks, so doctors now often prefer other treatments like activated charcoal, but it remains valuable in select emergency situations.
Is the procedure uncomfortable?
It can be quite unpleasant, involving a tube passed through the nose or mouth, so sedation may be used in cooperative patients, while unconscious patients are managed with airway protection first.
What are the risks of gastric lavage?
Risks include aspiration of stomach contents into the lungs, injury to the throat or oesophagus, and electrolyte imbalance, which is why it is performed only by trained emergency staff with airway protection in place when needed.
How long will the patient need to be observed afterward?
Observation time depends on the specific poison ingested, ranging from about 4 hours for milder substances to 24 hours or more for more dangerous or slow-acting toxins.
Does gastric lavage guarantee removal of all the poison?
No, it cannot guarantee complete removal, especially if performed outside the ideal one-hour window, so it is usually combined with other treatments like antidotes or supportive care based on the substance involved.