Ins and outs of enteral access. Part 3: long-term access--jejunostomy.
Feeding jejunostomy tubes can be useful in patients with gastroesophageal reflux or a nonfunctioning stomach and can be short-term, long-term, or permanent. These tubes can be inserted surgically, endoscopically, radiologically, or laparoscopically. Each of these techniques is described, and their mortality, morbidity, advantages, and disadvantages are compared.
Vanek
Vincent W
VW
Department of Surgery, Saint Elizabeth Hospital, Youngstown, OH 44501-1709, USA. vince_vanek@hmis.org