Gastric lavage in children as a method of decontamination of the gastrointestinal tract – should it be used routinely?

Poisoning, especially in children, remains an important and still unresolved global problem of public health. Until recently, gastric lavage was considered to be one of the first and basic therapeutic activities in a patient suspected of having taken oral poison. In view of the recent appearance of numerous publications that draw attention to the dangers and complications of this procedure, sometimes undermining its purpose, the aim of this work was to present current views on the indications and contraindications to gastric lavage in poisoned children.

Based on a review of the literature, taking into account the latest recommendations of international experts, we would like to emphasise that gastric lavage should not be performed routinely, and the decision to use it should be based on well-defined indications.