Enteral feeding tubes: are insertion techniques and positioning based on anatomical evidence?

Nutr Health. 2012 Jul;21(3):193-200. doi: 10.1177/0260106012459937. Epub 2012 Nov 15.

Abstract

Patients in whom oral energy intake is insufficient for daily needs may develop malnutrition and its complications, such as increased infection rates, increased length of hospitalization, and death. Enteral feeding is beneficial for these patients. However, this therapy is not without complications related to the insertion and placement of enteral feeding tubes. This review aims to identify from the literature different techniques for insertion and the methods used to evaluate the placement of enteral feeding tubes.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bilirubin / blood
  • Capnography
  • Energy Intake
  • Enteral Nutrition / adverse effects*
  • Evidence-Based Medicine*
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Intubation, Gastrointestinal / methods*
  • Malnutrition / etiology
  • Malnutrition / physiopathology*
  • Patient Positioning
  • Radiography

Substances

  • Bilirubin