Gastric decontamination is a medical procedure used in the treatment of poisoning. It is not routinely performed in poisoned patients because there is minimal evidence demonstrating positive benefit and there are associated complications.

What is the difference between gastric lavage and activated charcoal?

Gastric lavage is a medical procedure used to wash out the stomach contents via a tube inserted through the nose or mouth. Activated charcoal is a substance that is used to adsorb toxins within the digestive tract. Gastric lavage may be used in cases of ingestion of a life-threatening amount of poison whereas activated charcoal is used for a variety of toxins. Activated charcoal does not effectively adsorb metals, corrosives, and alcohols.

What factors should be considered when deciding to give activated charcoal?

The decision to give activated charcoal requires individual patient risk assessment and is not routinely indicated following all oral exposures. Factors to consider include the type of poison ingested, the amount of poison ingested, and the time since the poison was ingested.

Study Notes

Gastric decontamination is not routinely performed in poisoned patients
There is minimal evidence demonstrating positive benefit from gastric decontamination
There are associated complications with gastric decontamination
Gastric lavage may be considered in cases of ingestion of a life-threatening amount of poison within the previous hour where institution of supportive care and antidotal therapy would not ensure full recovery
Activated charcoal does not effectively adsorb metals, corrosives, and alcohols
The decision to give activated charcoal requires individual patient risk assessment and is not routinely indicated following all oral exposures

Test your knowledge on the principles and considerations of gastric decontamination in poisoned patients. Explore the indications, limitations, and associated complications of procedures such as gastric lavage and activated charcoal administration.