Enteroalimentation – Feeding through a pipe

Description of enteral nutrition

Enteroalimentation, or tube feeding – method of delivery of nutrients through a tube, if you can not take food or drink through your mouth. In some cases enteral feeding may be required for a short period of time, eg, during your stay in hospital. In other cases, perhaps, will have to go home with the tube and continue to receive nutrition this way. This measure may be temporary or permanent way power.

Depending on the condition, patient, the power in the following ways:

• Tube through the nose into the stomach (nasogastric feeding method);
• The tube through the abdominal wall into the stomach (gastrostomy);
• The tube through the abdominal wall into the intestine (enterostomy).

Reasons for enteral nutrition

Tube feeding provides you with proper nutrition, when the disease makes it difficult to, makes insecure, or impossible oral intake. Through the tube can also be fed, and the liquid medication.

Possible complications of enteral nutrition

Complications may include:

• Diarrhea or constipation;
• Abdominal cramps and bloating;
• Coarsening of the skin around the insertion site of the tube;
• Irritated or infected stoma (an opening in the abdominal cavity);
• High blood sugar (giperglikemiâ);
• Elevated phosphate levels in the blood;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Inhalation of liquid into the lungs (Aspiration);
• Killed or displaced feeding tube.

If you hastroэzofahealnыy reflux, you may be at increased risk for vomiting or aspiration.

How is enteral nutrition?

Preparation for the procedure

If you are in a hospital or clinic, before feeding:

• It is necessary to wash hands thoroughly before working with tubes;
• Method of supply. Depending on the method of feeding, It can be used syringe, beaker, food container, electronic pump, and posture, to place the container and equipment;
• Use the nutrient solution, which will provide the right amount of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and fluid;
• During the power to sit in an upright position;
• Check, that the tube is in the correct position, before applying it to the nutrient, eg, if you have a gastrostomy, this can be done with a syringe, by extracting small quantities of gastric juice. Besides, to measure the length of the tube can be used range. If not visible gastric juice, or if the length of the tube has changed, this may mean, that it is not in the right place. It is necessary to begin treatment, To resolve this issue;
• Use a syringe to flush the tube with water, to prepare it for feeding.

Procedure enteral nutrition

Enteral feeding can be delivered multiple ways. Depending on your state, a nurse or family member can enter the feeding tube. You can also get training, to independently provide their own food.

Syringe method of enteral feeding

Feeding tube will be clamped or bent. To it is attached to a large syringe. The syringe is slowly poured into the nutrient solution. The tube is then opened and the syringe is raised above the level of the body. This allows the nutrient solution to move by gravity downwardly through the tube. When the food is finished, tube washed with water, to prevent clogging. The tube will be clamped again, the syringe is removed. The tube is attached for supplying power to the body. If the syringe method is used, you will need several feedings throughout the day. This method is called is called a bolus Power.

Gravitational-kapelynыy method эnteralynogo questions

First, the nutrient solution is poured into a bag for food. Bag will be suspended on a rack. The tube from the bag will be connected to the clamped feeding tube. After, as the two tubes are connected, tube expands, allowing the nutrient solution to move down, under gravity, As in the syringe method. The flow can be adjusted by a clamp. When the feeding is finished, to clean the pipes will be used syringe, filled with water. AND, finally, the tube is taped to the body. You will have several sessions throughout the day feeding.

Pumping method of enteral feeding

This method is similar to the gravity-drip method. The difference is that, that the tubes are connected to an electronic pump. The pump will be programmed for automatic feeding of nutrient solution. For Example, with continuous power, solution is slowly fed over day. Otherwise, power will be supplied at regular intervals, eg, every four hours. The tube will be flushed with water, that it is not saturated. The pump method can also be used for bolus feeding.

How long will the enteral nutrition?

• Syringe method: 15-20 minutes;
• Gravitationally-drop method: 1-2 o'clock;
• Pumping method depends on, what method is used – continuous feed (eg, 8-12 hours) or bolus feeds.

Will it hurt?

Getting nutrition through a tube is not painful. Sometimes you may have an upset stomach. To prevent this:

• Stay in an upright position during feeding and during 30-60 minutes after feeding;
• If you specify a doctor, do not expose yourself to stress after feeding.

After the session, enteral nutrition

After, as feeding is over, you need to take the following:

• Wash your hands. Stoma should be cleaned and gently dried;
• Tube feeding should be cleaned with warm water and detergent and dried in air. Pumps need to follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

Remember, you still have to take care of the mouth and teeth. Brush your teeth twice a day or as recommended by your doctor.

Contact your doctor after enteral nutrition

We need to see a doctor, If the following symptoms:

• Clogged pipe;
• Offset pipe (A common problem during the first two weeks);
• Choking or difficulty breathing during the feeding;
• Leaking around the tube nutrient mixture;
• Krasnoja, naʙuxanie, pain, bleeding or discharge at the stoma site;
• Cough, breathlessness, chest pain;
• Symptoms of infection, including fever and chills;
• Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal swelling;
• Severe abdominal pain;
• The failure or inability to release gas stool;
• Diarrhea;
• Dehydration (eg, dry mouth, infrequent urination, dark and / or bad smelling urine).