Feeding jejunostomy in patients with neurologic disorders

A retrospective study of 54 patients who underwent feeding jejunostomy because of dysphagia on a neurologic basis was performed to determine risk factors affecting a postoperative mortality of 33% and six-month mortality of 67%. Advanced patient age, depressed preoperative level of consciousness, general anesthesia, and the technique of Witzel's jejunostomy were associated with increased postoperative level of consciousness carried an especially poor six month prognosis. It is concluded that a Roux-en-Y jejunostomy should be considered in patients with a hopelessly irreversible neurologic deficit. In all other situations, Stamm's jejunostomy is the feeding procedure of choice.