title: Peri-operative jejunostomy-tube feeding in reconstructive spinal surgery.
abstract: Eight malnourished children with neuromuscular spinal deformity were treated with jejunostomy tubes for supplemental feeding to attain appropriate weight before reconstructive surgery. All patients had significant gastro-esophageal reflux and had failed to gain weight during an eight-month oral supplementation program. There were no complications associated with the placement or use of the jejunostomy feeding tubes and all patients gained weight in a safe and predictable fashion, had successful spinal fusion and have maintained satisfactory weight at follow-up. Jejunostomy feeding is a safe and effective method of correcting malnutrition in patients with spinal deformity which precludes gastrostomy and Nissen fundoplication.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington 06032.
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Jaivin
authors.forename: J V
authors.initials: JV
authors.lastname: Banta
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Milanese
authors.forename: D W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Hight
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Alexander
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling; D002648:Child; D004750:Enteral Nutrition / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007582:Jejunostomy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D009468:Neuromuscular Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011502:Protein-Energy Malnutrition / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000601:surgery; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000601:surgery*