title: Endoscopic placement of nasojejunal tubes: a randomized, controlled, prospective trial comparing suitability and technical success for two different tubes.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Jejunal feeding is an attractive means for delivering nutrients to critically ill patients. Nasojejunal tubes may have different advantages and disadvantages that may have important clinical implications.
  
  
  METHODS
  To compare the suitability of 2 different nasojejunal feeding tubes (Tube A, Dobbhoff; Tube B, Freka-Trelumina) for use by endoscopists and nursing staff, a randomized, controlled, prospective trial was performed in 60 patients. The primary end point was time required for tube placement. Secondary end points were successful placement and nursing problems encountered during clinical use. Results of upper endoscopy were also recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Placement took significantly longer with Tube A than Tube B (95% CI for median [11.5, 20.0] minutes vs. [5.5, 7.5] minutes; p < 0.001), and was less successful (73.3% vs. 90%; p = 0.18). Nursing problems occurred significantly more often with Tube A compared with Tube B (11 vs. 1; p < 0.001). Tube B stayed in place significantly longer than Tube A (37 days vs. 21 days; p = 0.034). In 45% of the cases, upper endoscopy provided a diagnosis of potential therapeutic relevance.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Selection of a nasojejunal tube for endoscopic placement has significant implications with respect to time required for placement, duration of tube usage and the practicability for nursing staff. Diagnostic upper endoscopy performed concomitantly often reveals findings of clinical importance.
authors.affiliation: Medizinische Klinik I mit Poliklinik, Institut für Medizininformatik, Biometrie und Epidemiologie, Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany.
authors.forename: Dieter
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Schwab
authors.forename: Steffen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mühldorfer
authors.forename: Gerhard
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Nusko
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Radespiel-Tröger
authors.forename: Eckhart G
authors.initials: EG
authors.lastname: Hahn
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Strauss
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal; D005260:Female; D018589:Gastroparesis / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007441:Intubation, Gastrointestinal / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies