Esophagostomy tubes for feeding and decompression: clinical experience in 29 small animal patients

Esophagostomy tubes were placed surgically in 13 dogs and 16 cats. The placement technique used was rapid and only required curved forceps, a scalpel blade, and suture material. Flexible tubes (5- to 30-French) were used for feeding liquids or blenderized diets for up to 557 days. Additionally, esophageal and gastric decompression were accomplished using these tubes. Following tube removal, all ostomy wounds healed by second intention without evidence of esophageal stricture or esophagocutaneous fistula. Complications included kinking, placement in an inappropriate location, obstruction, inflammation or infection of the ostomy site, and reflux of feedings.