The Limitations of Gastro-Jejunal (G-J) Feeding Tubes in Children: A 9-Year Pediatric Hospital Database Analysis

Abstract

G-J feeding tubes are associated with the frequent need for tube maintenance and replacement and may not be the most feasible clinical option in providing long-term (>1 month) enteral access in children intolerant to gastrostomy tube feeds. Future studies are needed to develop innovative percutaneous jejunostomy tube placement techniques that facilitate long-term enteral access.

Endoscopic Clips Prevent Displacement of Intestinal Feeding Tubes: A Long-Term Follow-Up Study

“…Therefore, the actual functional duration of the feeding tube may be longer than 55 days. Despite this, the mean functional duration of the enteral feeding tubes in this study was longer than that reported elsewhere [21]. The main reason for tube replacement in this study was a clogged tube.…”

“…The main reason for tube replacement in this study was a clogged tube. In contrast, the main reason for tube replacement in the current literature seems to be tube displacement [21]. Our study demonstrates that the endoscopic clips may prevent migration of the feeding tube not only during tube placement but also in the long term.…”

Frequency and Methods of Gastrojejunal Tube Replacement in Children

“…One of the main indications for use of GJ tube feeding is to prevent aspiration, particularly in neurologically impaired children, in whom it is reported to be as effective as fundoplication for this purpose [13••, 14-16]. However, GJ tube use has been associated with many complications, most of which are mechanical in nature [16,17]. Many of these complications can be managed by replacing a dysfunctional GJ tube, and can be prevented by replacing the GJ tube at regular intervals.…”

Empirically Supported Treatments for Feeding Difficulties in Young Children

“…Causes for oral feeding difficulties include neurologic disease, congenital heart defects, chronic pulmonary disease, renal failure, and oropharyngeal dysphagia [20]. Although often intended as temporary, short-term solutions, feeding tubes often become a permanent conduit for enteral nutrition.…”