Bedside transpyloric tube placement in the pediatric intensive care unit: a modified insufflation air technique.
OBJECTIVE
To test air insufflation as an adjunct to placement of enteral feeding tubes and the effectiveness of using a smaller insufflation volume in pediatric patients.


METHODS
A randomized, controlled study in a pediatric intensive care unit in two tertiary hospitals.


METHODS
A total of 78 children with indication for transpyloric tube feeding were studied.


METHODS
An unweighted feeding tube was placed into the stomach through the nares; a 20-ml syringe was used to insufflate 10 ml/kg air into the stomach. The tube was advanced an estimated distance into the pylorus or beyond. The control group received the same procedure except for air insufflation. Resident physicians performed all procedures. Abdominal radiography was performed 3 h later.


RESULTS
Of 38 tubes in the study group 33 (86.8%) were successfully placed in a single attempt, compared to 18 of 40 tubes (45%) in the control group. Compared with the technique of using 20 ml/kg air for insufflation, no statistically significant difference was observed. No significant complication was observed.


CONCLUSIONS
The gastric insufflation technique required no expensive equipment, minimal training, and consistently allowed transpyloric passage of feeding tubes. The use of 10 ml/kg air may significantly improve the rate of success without increasing risks.
Rua das Aroeiras, 30 ap 22. Bairro Jardim, Santo André, São Paulo, 09090-000, Brazil. psls.nat@terra.com.br
Paulo Sérgio Lucas
PS
Da Silva
Chiu Seing Tsok
CS
Paulo
Simone Brasil
SB
de Oliveira Iglesias
Werther Brunow
WB
de Carvalho
Flávia
F
Santana e Meneses
D001938:Brazil; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004750:Enteral Nutrition / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007327:Insufflation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D015278:Intensive Care Units, Pediatric; D008297:Male; D019095:Point-of-Care Systems