Why need to do gastric aspiration before feeding?

Gastric aspiration is performed prior to feeding to ensure the presence or absence of residual gastric content, which can help prevent aspiration pneumonia - a potentially life-threatening lung infection.

Residual gastric contents can accumulate due to delayed gastric emptying or gastroparesis, which can occur in critically ill patients or those with certain medical conditions.

By aspirating gastric content, healthcare professionals can determine the appropriate timing of feeding to minimize the risk of regurgitation and aspiration during feeding.

If a significant volume of gastric residual is found, it may be necessary to delay or adjust tube feeding amount to allow more time for gastric emptying and prevent gastric distension.

In some cases, prokinetic agents or other interventions may be used to enhance gastric emptying and reduce the risk of aspiration.

Regular gastric aspiration before feeding is a standard practice in clinical settings to promote patient safety and prevent potential complications.