gastrointestinal tubes (endoscopic)
Last reviewed 10/2023
The endoscopic siting of intestinal tubes is an established therapeutic manoeuvre for several indications:
- management of intestinal obstruction
- provision of enteral feeding
- intestinal decompression
- diversion of secretions
- intestinal stenting
In patients requiring long-term nutritional support, e.g. those with dysphagia after stroke, naso-enteral intubation can have a number of complications:
- gastro-oesophageal reflux
- aspiration pneumonia
- lower oesophageal strictures
- perforation
Recently, the endoscopic placement of feeding gastrostomies and jejunostomies has become an alternative, reportedly with a lower incidence of such complications.