Experience with a new gastrostomy-jejunal feeding tube

Many patients in need of long-term feeding by tube enterostomy have neurologic or mechanical deficits that increase their risk for aspiration. To reduce this risk, a combined gastrostomy-jejunal tube has been developed. This tube permits gastric decompression while the formula is being delivered into the jejunum. The use of this tube has been evaluated in 45 patients. There were three (7%) major complications and two (4%) postoperative deaths. The deaths did not appear to be directly related to the insertion of the tube. There was no clinical evidence of aspiration. This tube can be used to deliver postoperative and long-term enteral nutrition with minimal rates of morbidity and mortality.