Enteral Nutrition II: Nasointestinal and Gastrostomy Feeding

Nasointestinal feeding delivers nutrient-rich formulas to the small intestine via a feeding tube inserted through the nose, bypassing the esophagus and stomach, and is usually recommended for short-term use under four weeks.

This method includes nasoduodenal feeding, where the tube reaches the duodenum, used for conditions like gastroparesis, and nasojejunal feeding, where it reaches the jejunum, used in conditions like pancreatitis.

Alternative methods, such as gastrostomy or jejunostomy feeding, are preferred for long-term nutritional support.

Gastrostomy feeding bypasses the oral route by creating an opening through the abdomen to the stomach.

Then, a gastrostomy tube is inserted surgically, radiologically, or endoscopically to deliver feeds.

This method is indicated for conditions like stroke-causing dysphagia.

Finally, jejunostomy feeding involves inserting a tube directly into the jejunum via surgical or endoscopic methods. This approach is ideal for patients with chronic reflux to minimize aspiration risk.