[Artificial nutrition with nasogastric catheters. Experiences with a new administration system]

Enteral nutrition via a nasogastric tube is widely used but is inconvenient for patients: the nostril and skin of the nose become irritated and ulcerated, and the tube causes pain and psychological trauma. We have developed a new system which combines the security and ease of nasogastric tube feeding with comfort for the patient. The distal part of the tube is invisibly anchored in the vestibule of the nose, using a special device. The outer part is attached only when feeding is necessary. We report 52 ENT patients who have used this system.