Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of using the dual stylet method as a bedside measure after unsuccessful of the spiral distal end nasal-enteral feeding tubes into the duodenum in critically ill patients.
Methods: Spiral distal end nasal-enteral feeding tubes were introduced into the stomach of 50 critically ill patients but unable to pass through the pylorus from July 2005 to March 2007. Under electrocardiographic monitoring, the dual stylet method was used as a bedside measure to facilitate the passage. The duration, successful ratio, and complication of the procedure were recorded.
Results: This procedure took an average time of (24.5+/-4.9) minutes. The success rate of passing through the pylorus was 82.0% (41/50). The success rate of the latter 25 cases treated from July 2006 to March 2007 was significantly higher than that of the former 25 cases treated from July 2005 to July 2006 [96.0% (24/25) vs. 68.0% (17/25), P<0.05]. The average insertion distance of the 41 successful cases was (85.3+/-2.9)cm. Heart rate(HR) during the procedure was (116.7+/-18.5) beats per minute, that before insertion was (107.6+/-14.2) beats per minute (P<0.01), respiratory rate (RR) was (22.4+/-4.6)breaths per minute during the procedure and (21.3+/-3.9)breaths per minute (P<0.01) before the procedure and mean arterial pressure (MAP) (86.7+/-10.7) mm Hg during and (82.0+/-7.7)mm Hg (1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa, P<0.01) before the procedure. But there was no change in arterial oxygen saturation (SaO(2)). No severe complication was noted.
Conclusion: The dual stylet method can be used effectively and safely in critically ill patients as a bedside measure after placement of the spiral distal end nasal-enteral feeding tubes.