Enteric Access and Feeding Tubes

Feeding tube placement into the stomach (gastrostomy) or through the stomach and into the jejunum (gastrojejunostomy) for nutritional support of patients with inadequate oral intake has been attempted using surgical, endoscopic, and percutaneous image-guided methods. This chapter will discuss the workup, performance, and maintenance of percutaneous radiologic gastrostomy (PRG), gastrojejunostomy (PRGJ), and jejunostomy (PJ) tubes. Percutaneous jejunostomy is indicated for patients whose stomach is inaccessible for gastrostomy placement, those who require jejunal feeding, or those who have had a previous gastrectomy. Finally, percutaneous, transesophageal gastrostomy (PTEG) has emerged as a palliative option in patients who do not have a direct percutaneous route into the stomach or jejunum.