EBQ:Nasogastric aspiration and lavage in emergency department patients with hematochezia or melena without hematemesis

incomplete Journal Club Article

Palamidessi N. et al. "Nasogastric aspiration and lavage in emergency department patients with hematochezia or melena without hematemesis". Academic Emergency Medicine. 2010. 17(2):126-32.
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Clinical Question

Is nasogastric lavage and aspiration in the ED an effective test to distinguish between an upper versus lower source of GI bleed in patients who have either melena or hematochezia without hematemesis?

Study Design

Systematic literature review.

Population

Exclusion Criteria

Studies that included patients with esophageal varices, hematemesis, or coffee ground emesis.

Outcomes

Primary Outcome

Ability to identify upper vs lower source of gastrointestinal bleed.

Secondary Outcomes

Complications from nasogastric tube insertion.