From the Research
Gastric lavage with normal saline should not be performed routinely in a 3-month pregnant woman, but may be considered in rare instances where the potential benefits outweigh the risks, under proper medical supervision, as stated by the American Academy of Clinical Toxicology and the European Association of Poisons Centres and Clinical Toxicologists 1. The decision to perform gastric lavage should be based on a comprehensive risk assessment, taking into account the potential risks and benefits of the procedure.
- The procedure involves inserting a tube through the mouth into the stomach to wash out its contents, which does not directly affect the uterus or fetus at this stage of pregnancy.
- Normal saline is preferred as it is isotonic and physiologically compatible with the body's fluids.
- However, there are some precautions to consider:
- The woman should be positioned slightly on her left side to prevent pressure on major blood vessels.
- Vital signs should be closely monitored throughout the procedure.
- Sedation should be minimized or avoided if possible.
- Recent publications continue to show that gastric lavage may be associated with serious complications, and there is no certain evidence that its use improves clinical outcome 1, 2.
- A systematic review of the literature from January 2003 to March 2011 yielded few studies directly addressing the utility of gastric lavage in the treatment of poisoned patients, and the evidence supporting gastric lavage as a beneficial treatment in special situations is weak 1.