Nasoduodenal tubes in short-stay cholecystectomy.

To assess the importance of the role of the Moss nasoduodenal tube (Moss Tubes, Inc.) in short-stay cholecystectomy, 50 patients were prospectively randomized into two groups. Patients in group 1 (n = 25) had placement of a Moss nasoduodenal tube with esophagogastric decompression and immediate enteral feedings after cholecystectomy; patients in group 2 (n = 25) did not have a nasoduodenal tube placed. Length of postoperative hospitalization, use of postoperative analgesia and return of gastrointestinal tract function were similar in both groups. A total of 43 patients from both groups were discharged within 48 hours of operation. Two complications of the gastrointestinal tract occurred in those in group 1, and none occurred in group 2. There were no readmissions or complications after discharge in either group.