Clinical Observations: Orogastric Enteral Feeding: An Alternative Feeding Access

• Published in: Nutrition in clinical practice 2000-04, Vol.15 (2), p.91-93
• Main Authors: Asfaw, Meheret, Miles, Aida, Caplan, Daniel B.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0884-5336; 1941-2452
• DOI: 10.1177/088453360001500207

In patients who are unable to consume adequate nutrients orally, enteral feeding is the preferred route of nutrition support. This may include nasogastric, gastrostomy, and, less commonly, the jejunostomy routes. The former may be difficult for those patients with rhino-sinusitis problems and for those with an aversion to tube passage via the nostril, and the latter two are surgically invasive. At our Cystic Fibrosis Center, the orogastric route has also been used for nocturnal nutrition support. To date, the orogastric feeding route has been beneficial and well received by 15 patients whose age at the initiation of feedings ranged between 11 and 24 years. The actual technique of tube placement is simple and similar to that of nasogastric tube insertion. A French silastic feeding tube is inserted nightly into the stomach via the mouth in a manner similar to that of nasogastric tube insertion. It can be used for both continuous and intermittent bolus feedings. In our experience, orogastric feedings allow for successful nutrition intervention in those who are unsuccessful with oral supplements. In addition, this method helps to avoid the problems that are frequently associated with nasogastric and other invasive tube feeding maneuvers.