A technique for positioning nasoenteral feeding tubes

The use of nasoenteral alimentation in many neurologically depressed patients is a common practice. These patients are also at increased risk of sustaining feeding tube malplacement. The morbidity and mortality involving feeding tube malposition in these debilitated patients is high. In this paper, we present four case reports of morbidity, with one resultant mortality, associated with small-bore nasoenteral tube malposition. We are also suggesting a nasoenteral intubation protocol which we feel will decrease the incidence of feeding tube malplacement.