Nasogastric Laxative Cleanout
Also known as: bowel cleanout.
What is nasogastric laxative cleanout?
Nasogastric laxative cleanout is a treatment for severe constipation in children. The treatment may be used to relieve constipation due to a medical condition or in preparation for a medical procedure.
What happens during the treatment?
A tube is inserted through the child’s nose and advanced to the stomach. Then a laxative medicine is administered through the tube. The liquid will prompt the child to pass a stool.
Is any special preparation needed?
The child will need to avoid food for a set period of time before the procedure.
What are the risk factors?
Nausea, vomiting, infection and damage to surrounding organs and tissues are potential risks of nasogastric laxative cleanout.
Reviewed by: Carrie Firestone Baum, MD
This page was last updated on: 9/16/2025 12:42:44 PM
Gastroenterology
The Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology at Nicklaus Children's Hospital is dedicated to the treatment of a wide variety of gastrointestinal problems in infants, children and adolescents with a multidisciplinary approach.
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