nasojejunal tube

Indications

• short-term enteral feedings
  • impaired gastric emptying
  • proximal gastrointestinal leak suspected
• aspiration of gastric contents

Procedure

• external measurement
  • nostril or ear to anterior superior iliac spine (medial malleolus in infants)
• tube stiffened by stylet
• past through pylorus under fluoroscopy or with endoscopic loop

Complications

• spontaneous pulling back into stomach
  • verified by aspirating fluid with pH < 6.0
• diarrhea is common
  • fiber-containing formula may help
• ulceration of nasal or esophageal tissues, leading to strictures

More general terms

• enteral tube

Additional terms

• enteral nutrition
• feeding tube
• nasoduodenal tube
• nasogastric tube (NGT) placement (gastric intubation)