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Vagal Stimulator to Reduce Nasogastric Tube Use

The Role of a Vagal Stimulator to Reduce the Frequency and Duration on Nasogastric Tube Following Abdominal Surgery

Who can join

Ages 18 and older · All sexes

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults (18 and older) undergoing laparoscopic or open colorectal surgery, or any major abdominal surgeries at UPMC Shadyside
* Development of post-operative ileus
* Anticipation of a nasogastric (ng) tube being placed

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant subjects
* Subjects who are unable to read, write, or speak English fluently
* Subjects who have a developmental or neurological disorder and are not cognitively able to provide consent

About the study

Abdominal surgery, laparoscopic or open, is frequently performed at UPMC Shadyside hospital. One of the most frequent complications following abdominal surgery is a postoperative ileus. Although postoperative ileus may be the result of obstruction or leakage, in most cases postoperative ileus (POI) is the result of local irritation because of fluid overload, exogenous opioids, neurohormonal dysfunction, gastrointestinal stretch, local bleeding and inflammation. POI usually lasts between 2 to 7 days. In most cases, a nasogastric tube (NG tube) is used to relieve that gastric pressure until the resolution of the POI. The placement of a NG tube can lead to a local trauma, bleeding and pain. Pain represents a major complaint among those with POI, often contributing to prolonged hospital stays.

What is being tested

• Vagal Nerve Stimulator (device)
• Placebo Vagal Nerve Stimulator (device)

Sponsor: Jacques E. Chelly · Participants: 60 · Started: Dec 4, 2024

Contact the study team

• Carly Riedmann, MPH · Phone: 412-623-4147

Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT06648759

Locations in the U.S.

From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Oct 2, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.