Guidewire-Assisted Endoscopic Guidance for Difficult Placement of Nasojejunal Tubes

Abstract

Background Effective nasojejunal tube feeding is valuable for patients at high risk of aspiration who are intolerant to oral or gastric feeding. Placement of nasojejunal tubes is difficult in patients with gastroduodenal obstruction due to inability of endoscopic guidance. Aims We report the technique of guidewire-assisted endoscopic guidance for difficult placement of nasojejunal tubes. Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 13 patients with gastroduodenal obstruction experiencing difficult nasojejunal placement at a single tertiary care center. The primary outcome was success rates of tube placement. Secondary outcomes included procedure time, complications, symptom remission and nutritional indicators. Results The primary outcome showed a 92.31% success rate of placement. The secondary outcome showed a 16.30 ± 7.05 minute average procedure time. There were significantly higher success rates of placement and improved nutritional status. Complication incidence was not significantly increased after placement. Conclusions Guidewire-assisted techniques are safe and effective for patients with difficulty in nasojejunal tube placement.