Cortrak duodenal tube placements: A solution for more patients? A preliminary survey to the introduction of electromagnetic-guided placement of naso-duodenal feeding tubes.

Rationale: The Cortrak feeding tube, an electromagnetic (EM) guided feeding tube which is placed by a trained nurse at the patient's bedside, is reported to be a safe, patient friendly and cost effective answer to the disadvantages of endoscopic placement of naso-duodenal feeding tubes. However, this procedure requires a learning curve and regular practice. This study aims to evaluate whether introducing Cortrak® feeding tube placement would be profitable in a tertiary referral academic hospital.

Limited long-term survival after in-hospital intestinal failure requiring total parenteral nutrition.

Background: Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is an invasive and advanced rescue feeding technique that has acceptable short-term survival although at costs of substantial risks. Survival after the clinical use of TPN >6 mo is unknown.

Objective: We determined long-term survival after clinical TPN use in a consecutive cohort who were attending an academic hospital.

Fructo-oligosaccharides and fibre in enteral nutrition has a beneficial influence on microbiota and gastrointestinal quality of life.

Objective: Intestinal microbiota is important in health and disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and fibre-enriched tube feeding on quality of life and intestinal microbiota (faecal Bifidobacteria).

Material And Methods: Nineteen out of 59 home-living, tube-feeding-dependent, adult patients and matched healthy controls were included in this randomized, double-blind study.

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy: complications and suggestions to avoid them.

Objectives: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tubes have become an excellent alternative for the long-term management of patients with proximal obstructions of the gastrointestinal tract. However, their use has limitations and can be associated with serious complications. We therefore studied the frequency and severity of complications related to the use of PEG tubes in our clinic.