gastrointestinal decompression

gastrointestinal decompression

The removal of contents of the intestinal tract by use of suction through a tube inserted into the upper gastrointestinal tract. The tube may be inserted through the nasopharynx or oropharynx, or via gastrostomy. See: Salem sump tube; Levin tube; See: Wangensteen tube; See: Wangensteen tube