an apparatus and method for surgical decompression and irrigation / lavage of a patient comprising a tube having a distal end which is inserted into the intestine and a proximal end which is located outside the patient . the tube has a wall which surrounds a plurality of longitudinally extending lumens . a suction lumen is connected to a suction means located exteriorly in relation to the patient . there are one or more pores capable of delivering irrigation fluid and for syphoning the contents of the patient &# 39 ; s intestine . an irrigation lumen is connected to irrigation means located exteriorly in relation to the patient . there are one or more openings extending from the suction lumen to the irrigation lumen for ducting irrigation fluid or gastrointestinal content and for avoiding plugging of the pores by particulate matter or by a stomach lining when the stomach is aspirated . ?