Enterostomy tube feeding: The ins and outs

The use of gastrostomy and/or jejunostomy tubes is now commonplace in paediatric practice. These tubes are most often placed by those in the surgical, gastroenterology or radiology departments, but troubleshooting and ongoing monitoring of these tubes usually falls to the primary care physician or general paediatrician. This form of management of enterostomy tube problems can be frustrating. To help address some of the commonly encountered questions surrounding these tubes, a practical approach, drawing on the large experience in their use at The Hospital for Sick Children, is presented.