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Nasogastric and nasoenteric feeding tubes
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131-5271, USA.
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Clinics of North America
|July 9, 1998
Summary
This article reviews methods for placing nasogastric and nasoenteric feeding tubes, including blind and image-guided techniques. It also covers bedside verification methods and complications of incorrect tube placement.
Area of Science:
- Medical Devices
- Gastroenterology
- Patient Safety
Background:
- Nasogastric (NG) and nasoenteric (NE) tubes are crucial for nutritional support.
- Accurate placement is essential to prevent serious complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review techniques for NG and NE tube placement.
- To detail bedside verification methods for tube placement.
- To outline complications and mitigation strategies for misplaced tubes.
Main Methods:
- Discussion of blind placement techniques.
- Overview of image-guided placement: pH monitoring, magnetic, sonographic, electromyogram, fluoroscopic, and endoscopic-assisted methods.
- Description of bedside tests for confirming tube location.
Main Results:
- Multiple techniques exist for NG/NE tube placement, ranging in invasiveness and accuracy.
- Bedside tests provide critical confirmation of correct tube positioning.
- Misplacement can lead to severe adverse events, including pulmonary complications.
Conclusions:
- A variety of placement and verification methods are available for NG/NE tubes.
- Choosing the appropriate technique and rigorous verification are key to patient safety.
- Understanding potential complications facilitates preventative measures.