Radiation exposure during nasojejunal intubation for MRI enteroclysis

Abstract

The effective dose of ionizing radiation with nasojejunal intubation is relatively small in the majority of patients. When repeated imaging is necessary, it seems advisable to consider imaging techniques, which do not subject patients to ionizing radiation. Also if a previous nasojejunal intubation has been difficult, a different imaging technique is recommended.

Retrospective Review of Current Nasojejunal Tube Insertion Practice

“…Fluoroscopic NJT insertions, despite having high success rates as reported in previous studies, 8,11 can expose a child to commensurately higher radiation exposure if multiple insertions are required. In our study, radiation dose demonstrated an overall increasing trend with age and weight as we had expected.…”

“… 7 Multiple tube insertions in the same patient can generate serious concern due to cumulative radiation exposure. 8 Children are also more sensitive to radiation damage as they are still developing and undergoing cell division. Cancer risk accumulates across one’s lifespan, so radiation exposure at a younger age typically increases an individual’s risk of developing malignancies later in life.…”