HOW TO AVOID THE RECURRENT DISPLACEMENT OF AN ENTERAL FEEDING TUBE

Aims:

The placement of an enteral feeding tube (EFT) by endoscopy can be a challenging procedure because of their displacement when removing the endoscope. In order to avoid it, it is usually employed a forceps to try retaining the tube while removing the endoscope or, by opting for a distal fixation of the probe in the duodenum-jejunum, with clips. We present a case of recurrent displacement of an EFT while removing the endoscope.

Methods:

An endoscopic fixation technique was designed by means of a surgical tape (ST), previously placed in the middle part of the EFT. A hole in the surgical tape was previously made and it helped to fix it to the antrum gastric mucosa with clips.

Steps: Placement in the ST in the middle EFT/ST fixation to the gastric mucosa with clips/Removal of the endoscope without migration of the EFT/Radiological verification of EFT location and correct contrast pass.

Results:

In this way, the EFT's tension was significantly reduced and the EFT was maintained for a prolonged period.

Conclusions:

By means of this novel technique (surgical tape (ST) with gastric attachment), the sustained fixation of the EFT was achieved, thus preventing their recurrent migration.