PERCUTANEOUS PLACEMENT OF A MIDCERVICAL ESOPHAGOSTOMY TUBE - NEW TECHNIQUE AND REPRESENTATIVE CASES

A percutaneous technique permits atraumatic placement of an esophagost omy tube into the midcervical region of the esophagus. Although genera l anesthesia is required, the equipment is simple and only a small ski n incision is needed. The tube is large enough to permit bolus adminis tration of a gruel made from canned dog or cat food. Placement of the tube into the midcervical region of the esophagus avoids interference with function of the pharynx. This should reduce aspiration and airway obstruction complications sometimes produced by pharyngostomy and pro ximal esophageal tube placement.