Complications of needle catheter jejunostomy in 2,022 consecutive applications

We commonly use needle catheter jejunostomy (NCJ) for early enteral feeding in selected patients. Review of our approach was prompted by the suggestion that enteral feeding represents a "stress test" for the bowel and may be associated with a high complication rate.

We reviewed patients with NCJ inserted over the past 16 years by prospective database, chart review, and conference minutes, with emphasis on complications.

During the conduct of 28,121 laparotomies, 2,022 NCJs inserted in 1,938 patients (7.2%) resulted in 34 NCJ-related complications in 29 patients (1.5%) The most common complication was premature loss of the catheter from occlusion or dislodgment (n = 15; 0.74%), and the most serious was bowel necrosis (n = 3; 0.15%).

Needle catheter jejunostomy may be inserted and used with a low complication rate. Most complications were preventable through greater attention to detail and better monitoring of physical examination of patients with marginal gut function.