What is a Ryle's Tube?
A Ryle's tube (nasogastric tube / NG tube) is a thin, flexible tube made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyurethane, passed through the nose, down the oesophagus, and into the stomach. Named after John Alfred Ryle (1889–1950), Regius Professor of Physic at Cambridge.
Tube Specifications
- Sizes: 10–18 Fr (adults); 5–8 Fr (paediatric)
- Length: 105–125 cm
- Material: PVC / Polyurethane / Silicone
- Markings: Radiopaque line along entire length
- Tip: Rounded, closed with lateral drainage eyes
- Proximal end: Universal connector / funnel
Purposes
Decompression
Gastric decompression in intestinal obstruction, post-operative ileus, and gastric dilatation
Feeding
Enteral nutrition in patients unable to swallow — stroke, ICU, orofacial trauma
Therapeutic
Gastric lavage (poisoning), medication administration, and GI bleed monitoring