Tube Talk
Thank you to everyone who sent material for the "Tube Talk" column. Anyone who is interested in participating can send their tips, questions and thoughts about tube feeding to: Tube Talk, c/o The Oley Foundation, 214 Hun Memorial A-28, Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY 12208; or E-mail DahlR@mail.amc.edu. Information shared in this column represents the experience of that individual and should not imply endorsement by the Oley Foundation. The Foundation strongly encourages readers to discuss any suggestions with their physician and/or wound care nurse before making any changes in their care.
PEJ Tubes Are Being Used More Frequently
Those who tube-feed directly into the jejunum are increasingly being offered a new option, the percutaneous J-tube (PEJ), in addition to the standard G/J-tube and surgically placed J-tube. With the proper training, a gastroenterologist can percutaneously place a PEJ directly into the jejunum using a procedure that is similar to placing a PEG into the stomach. The PEJ has a bumper on the inside of the jejunum and the outside of the abdomen which helps hold it firmly in place, and thereby reduces the discomfort and irritation from a tube that rubs at the site because of a loose fit.
When the option is available, the PEJ is more advantageous than the G/J-tube because the diameter of the PEJ tube can be larger than the diameter of the J-tube portion of the G/J-tube, and thus shouldn’t get clogged as often. Using a PEJ also eliminates the possibility of the uncomfortable complication where the J-tube on G/J-tube flips back into the stomach.
In addition to eliminating the need for surgery, consumers may find the bumper-secured PEJ more desirable than the surgically placed J-tube because the latter usually requires a suture and has a tendency to fall out more easily.
For more information about the PEJ, and whether it is an option for you, speak with your gastroenterologist.