Gastric lavage is a medical procedure used to clean out the contents of the stomach. It involves inserting a tube through the mouth or nose into the stomach, allowing healthcare professionals to flush the stomach with saline or water. This procedure is often performed in cases of poisoning or overdose to remove harmful substances before they can be absorbed into the bloodstream. The process typically requires monitoring by medical staff and may be done in a hospital setting. While gastric lavage can be effective in certain situations, it is not suitable for all types of poisoning and carries some risks, such as aspiration or injury to the esophagus.