Abstract
Objective: To assess the validation of the simple technique to insert enteral feeding tube (EFT) transpylorically without using supporting devices or drugs. Patients: Critically ill patients who entered intensive care units of two hospitals of Yokohama City University since April 1st 2003 to May 31st 2005, and needed nutritional support via transpyloric tube. Method: We used ARGYLE™ “New Enteral Feeding Tube”. Every advance 3 cm was followed by confirmation if it loops back or not, abdominal auscultation was done at many sites. If changes in resistance of insertion was felt, or pitch or duration of the sound was heard differently, we considered tube proceeded beyond pylorus, and withdraw the stylet to end the procedure. Tube tip was confirmed by radiographically. Results: We inserted 71 times in 64 patients, and succeeded 56 times (78.9%). Although the duration of procedure was shorter in success cases (21.6 ± 4.8 min) than in failure cases (51.3 ± 33), the difference was not significant (P = 0.050). There were no critical complications. Conclusion: This simple technique is practical in success rate, duration of procedure.
