Current management of endoscopic feeding tube dysfunction

Surgically placed gastrostomy and jejunostomy feeding tubes allow administr ation of enteral nutrition for patients who are unable to swallow safely. S everal endoscopic techniques have been used for tube placement. Endoscopica lly placed feeding tubes provide access to the gastrointestinal tract, but only when patent. Use of the approaches presented permits optimal feeding t ube care and prolongs tube patency. Table 1 summarizes the recommendations for preventing and restoring patency to feeding tubes.