BACKGROUND CO2-laser surgery is a relatively new treatment for selected carcinomas of the upper aerodigestive tract. The purpose of our study was to evaluate prospectively the functional results for swallowing after CO2-laser resections. METHODS The sample was composed of 210 consecutive patients with malignancies of the larynx and hypopharynx treated with CO2 laser between February 1998 and ...

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The stoma of intermediate position enterostomy (IPE) often leads to high output, which is related to electrolyte abnormalities, and prolongs patient recovery post-operatively. The continuous nasogastric tube feeding method has the advantage of reducing the risk of feeding intolerance, and improves nutrient absorption. In the current study, we review our experience with...

BACKGROUND Nutrition support is an important therapeutic measure in critically ill patients. Several studies have shown that the enteral route is preferable to the parenteral route. Insertion of a feeding tube beyond the ligament of Treitz combined with continuous gastric drainage will reduce regurgitation and probably also the rate of nosocomial pneumonia. This study was conducted to assess th...

Background: Whether premature infants should be fed by bolus or continuous gavage feeding, is still a matter of debate. A recent Cochrane analysis revealed no difference. Study design and methods: We carried out a randomized controlled trial in premature infants on continuous versus bolus nasogastric tube feeding, to search for differences with respect to number of incidents, growth, and time t...

J INTRODUCTION Tube feeding has been practiced for more than 400 years (1). In addition to feeding, gastrointestinal (GI) access can be used for decompression in cases of enteral obstruction. Temporary access can be achieved with a nasogastric (NG), oral gastric (OG), nasojejunal (NJ), or oral jejunal (OJ) feeding tube. These tubes can be placed “blindly” at the bedside, with the use of image g...

CONTEXT We describe a late complication of the pancreatico-gastrostomy (PG) anastomosis following pancreatico-duodenectomy (PD). CASE REPORT A percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) feeding tube was inserted many months post-operatively. In this patient activated pancreatic enzymes eroded the gastrostomy tract, resulting in pain, recurrent infection and eventual removal of the gastrostomy ...

Background: Preterm infants frequently experience oral feeding difficulties due to undeveloped oral- motor skills and lack of coordination between sucking, swallowing and breathing. Infants’ ability to orally consume all feedings while maintaining physiological stability and weight gain is necessary for their discharge. Aim: The effect of non-nutritive sucking on weight gain in preterm infants....

1. Holmes JH IV, Brundage SI, Yuen P, Hall RA, Maier RV, Jurkovich GJ. Complications of surgical feeding jejunostomy in trauma patients. J Trauma 1999;47(6):1009-12. 2. Brotman S, Marshall WJ. Complications from needle catheter jejunostomy in posttraumatic surgery. Contemp Surg 1985;27: 52-6. 3. Rai J, Flint LM, Ferrara JJ. Small bowel necrosis in association with jejunostomy tube feedings. Am ...

Feeding and swallowing difficulties are common among individuals with CHARGE syndrome. Many children require gastrostomy tube feeding in their early years and often undergo a delay in feeding and oral-motor skill development. There is little information available on adults with CHARGE syndrome, and the feeding difficulties they face. The present case describes newly emerging mouth over-stuffing...

T HE RECENT CASE OF Terri Schiavo has reignited a public dispute about certain aspects of the care of patients who are severely cognitively impaired, including those inapersistent vegetative state. Schiavo’s parents repeatedly pointed out that her abilitytoswallowwasnevertestedand believed that it was possible for her to be safely hand-fed. They also unsuccessfully petitioned the courts to bepe...