Results of direct percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy, an alternative method for providing jejunal feeding

Objective: To assess the results of direct percutaneous endoscopic jejunost omy (DPEJ) as a method for jejunal feeding, Patients and Methods: We conducted a retrospective stud:lr of all patients who were referred for DPEJ between October 1998, when the procedure was imp lemented at our institution, and January 2000. Medical records were reviewe d to assess technical success, complications, and the need for repeat proce dures. Patient satisfaction with DPEJ was also evaluated by means of standa rdized telephone interviews, Results: In 26 (72%) of 36 patients, DPEJ placement was successful. During the mean follow-up of 107 days, none: of the patients with DPEJ required re intervention for tube malfunction or displacement, Two patients developed a persistent enterocutaneous fistula following the removal of the DPEJ tube. No other procedure-related complications were noted. Fifteen (78%) of 19 p atients who responded to follow-up questions reported an overall satisfacti on rating of 8 or higher on a 10-point scale (1, completely dissatisfied, t o 10, completely satisfied), Conclusions: We conclude that DPEJ is an effective and safe method for prov iding jejunal tube feeding, A low reintervention rate along with high patie nt satisfaction makes DPEJ an attractive alternative to the more commonly p laced jejunostomy feeding tubes.