Prospective evaluation of a new through-the-scope nasoduodenal enteral feeding tube.
BACKGROUND
With present techniques, transpyloric feeding tube placement is unreliable. This study evaluated a new nasoduodenal tube placed through a gastroscope.


METHODS
A therapeutic gastroscope was advanced into the distal duodenum, and through the 3.7-mm channel this feeding tube was advanced under direct vision into the small bowel. The tube/guidewire combination was then advanced with the concomitant equidistant retraction of the scope until the wire could be grasped at the lips and exchanged to the nose using a nasal transfer tube. The guidewire was removed, and a "Y" connector was then attached to the end of the tube.


RESULTS
Successful tube placement in all 21 patients (14M/7F) required an endoscopy time of 31 +/- 3.3 min and the tubes were utilized for 9.24 +/- 0.94 days. Tube tips were confirmed in the distal duodenum (10) or proximal jejunum (11) by radiographic contrast injection.


CONCLUSIONS
This new through-the-scope tube can be placed in the distal duodenum quickly, safely, and consistently.
Damore
L J
LJ
Department of Surgery, Saint Louis University Health Sciences Center, 3635 Vista Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA.
Andrus
C H
CH
Herrmann
V M
VM
Wade
T P
TP
Kaminski
D L
DL
Kaiser
G C
GC
D004386:Duodenum; D004750:Enteral Nutrition / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007441:Intubation, Gastrointestinal / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors