Laparoscopic feeding jejunostomy technique as part of staging laparoscopy

Placement of a feeding jejunostomy tube is indicated for patients who need enteral access but where a gastrostomy is not feasible. This paper presents the technique and results of laparoscopic placement of feeding jejunostomy tubes in patients presenting with esophagogastric cancer. From December 2002 to February 2004, patients diagnosed with esophagogastric cancer with a potentially resectable lesion underwent staging laparoscopy. Laparoscopic feeding jejunostomy was performed on patients who were potential candidates for chemotherapy with palliative intent or neoadjuvant treatment prior to resection surgery. Surgical technique, recovery of bowel function, commencement of feeding jejunostomy, total time tube was in situ, and perioperative complications were analyzed. Of the 22 patients who underwent staging laparoscopy, a feeding jejunostomy tube was placed in 18. The remaining 4 patients were deemed to have advanced disease precluding any therapeutic options and underwent placement of esophageal stents. Feeding tubes remained in situ for a median time period of 76 days. Fourteen patients required enteral support and tubes were used for a median of 30 days. Complications from tube placement included 2 cases of wound infections, 1 of minor leak and 1 tube dislodgment. Patients were followed up for a median time of 112 days. Findings from current series suggest that placement of a feeding jejunostomy tube at the time of staging laparoscopy is a safe and reliable means of providing and maintaining nutrition for patients presenting with esophagogastric cancers.