[Enteral nutrition with needle catheter jejunostomy in esophageal anastomosis. Complications of the technique].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of complications associated with the use of surgical needle catheter jejunostomy and tolerance to enteral nutrition.


METHODS
We performed a retrospective study of 58 consecutive patients, who underwent esophageal or gastric resection with esophageal anastomosis and needle catheter jejunostomy. The variables studied were initiation of enteral nutrition, duration of perfusion, complications associated with the use of jejunostomy, and tolerance to enteral nutrition.


RESULTS
Mortality in the series was 1.7%. Infusion of enteral nutrition was started at mean of 4.84+/-5.01 days and lasted for a mean of 7.9+/-7.5 days. In one patient the jejunostomy could not be used due to catheter obstruction and in another 2 patients some resistance to perfusion of nutrition was observed but these patients could be fed through the tube. One patient had to undergo reintervention due to peritonitis caused by extravasation of the enteral nutrition within the peritoneal cavity. Catheter withdrawal was difficult in 2 patients; of these, 1 patient required investigation of the skin wound under local anesthetic. The overall rate of jejunostomy-related complications was 10.3%. Tolerance of enteral nutrition was acceptable in 41 patients, the infusion rate was reduced in 6 patients and infusion was discontinued due to intolerance in 10.


CONCLUSIONS
Because needle catheter jejunostomy produces low morbidity and good tolerance to enteral nutrition, it is a valid alternative in patients with esophageal anastomosis.
Díaz de Liaño
Alvaro
A
Servicio de Cirugía General y del Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Virgen del Camino, Pamplona, Navarra, Spain. adiazdea@cfnavarra.es
Yárnoz
Concepción
C
Artieda
Cristina
C
Garde
Carlos
C
Flores
Laura
L
Artajona
Alicia
A
Romeo
Ignacio
I
Ortiz
Héctor
H
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects; D002404:Catheterization; D004750:Enteral Nutrition / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods*; D016629:Esophagectomy; D004947:Esophagus / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005743:Gastrectomy; D006801:Humans; D007582:Jejunostomy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009339:Needles; D012189:Retrospective Studies