nasojejunal tube

Indications: 1) short-term enteral feedings a) impaired gastric emptying b) proximal gastrointestinal leak suspected 2) aspiration of gastric contents Procedure: 1) external measurement - nostril or ear to anterior superior iliac spine (medial malleolus in infants) 2) tube stiffened by stylet 3) past through pylorus under fluoroscopy or with endoscopic loop Complications: 1) spontaneous pulling back into stomach - verified by aspirating fluid with pH < 6.0 2) diarrhea is common - fiber-containing formula may help 2) ulceration of nasal or esophageal tissues, leading to strictures

Related

enteral nutrition feeding tube nasoduodenal tube nasogastric tube (NGT) placement (gastric intubation)

References

Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 14th ed. Fauci et al (eds), McGraw-Hill Inc. NY, 1998, pg 479