Mechanical problems with small-diameter enteral feeding tubes

The use of nasogastric enteral feeding for nutritional support of hospitalized and homebound chronically ill individuals has been expanding during the past ten years. Nasogastric and nasoenteral alimentation is safer and more cost effective than total parenteral nutrition. Mechanical problems related to slowing of the formula and/or clogging of the tube have been reported but have received little attention in the research literature. This exploratory survey was designed to determine the extent of mechanical problems and the procedures used to care for enteral feeding tubes. Fifty-eight percent of 91 hospitals reported a significant occurrence of mechanical problems with small-diameter enteral feeding tubes, and only 31% had written procedures for care of the tubes. Implications for practice are discussed, and recommendations for further research in the area are proposed.