Endoscopic placement of nasojejunal feeding tubes in ICU patients

Enteral nutrition is an important component in the management of critically ill patients, but it may be limited by gastric ileus and unreliable positioning of standard feeding tubes. The purpose of this study was to determine the risk, utility, and outcome of endoscopically placed nasojejunal feeding tubes (NJT) in intensive care unit (ICU) patients.

We reviewed the records of all ICU patients who underwent endoscopic NJT placement from May 1995 to May 1997. A through-the-scope method was used with placement of either an 8-Fr or 10-Fr 240-cm tube. Comparison was made between tubes secured to a nasopharyngeal bridle and tubes secured without bridling.

A total of 66 NJT were placed in 56 patients. Previous gastric feeds had been attempted in 39 patients (70%) an average of 8.4 days prior to placing the NJT. Fifty tubes (76%) were placed in the ICU and 16 (34%) in the OR at the time of additional procedures. Procedure time ranged from 7 to 28 mins (mean, 15.2), and bridling was used in 24 of 66 placements (36%). Full caloric goal rates were achieved via 56 of 66 tubes (85%) at an average of 26.1 h after placement (range, 1-144). Goal rates were not achieved in 10 cases due to inadequate tube positioning in six, ileus in three, and early dislodgement in one. A procedure complication, consisting of aspiration, occurred in one case (1.5%). Length of tube use averaged 18.5 days (range, 1-74). Accidental tube dislodgement or migration occurred in 16 of 42 (38%) nonbridled tubes vs one of 24 (4%) bridled tubes (p <.05).

Endoscopic placement of nasojejunal feeding tubes in critically ill patients is a safe, quick, and reliable option for enteral nutrition. Full caloric goal rates can be achieved rapidly in a high percentage of patients, even in cases where previous gastric feeds have not been tolerated. Use of a nasopharyngeal bridling system for tube security significantly decreases the risk of migration or accidental tube dislodgement.