Prospective analysis of the relative postoperative efficacy of Levin and sump nasogastric tubes was performed. One hundred cases using each tube were randomly selected. Operations in the two groups were similar. Mean output per hour from the tubes was close: 25.29 cc from Levin, and 26.56 cc from sump tubes. Analysis of variance showed no significant difference. There was a difference (P = .05 level) in hourly drainage from women patients, 20.49 cc from Levin, and 25.14 cc from sump tubes. There were no major complications attributable to the tubes. Output from tubes was usually low in early postoperative hours, rising steadily for the first 3 days. Drainage per nursing shift decreased throughout the day. Fever is associated with nasogastric tube use. In the absence of other etiology, a diagnosis of "tube fever" can be made. There is no difference in the clinical efficacy of Levin and sump tubes. There is no scientific basis for the prevalent use of sump tubes.