COMPARISON OF NEEDLE CATHETER VERSUS STANDARD TUBE JEJUNOSTOMY

  • 1 January 1985
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 51  (8) , 466-469
Abstract
Needle catheter jejunostomy (NCJ) is associated with fewer complications than standard tube jejunostomy (STJ). The morbidity of NCK vs. STJ performed as adjunctive procedures in 90 patients from 1977-1983 was compared. NCJ was performed in 55 patients and STJ in 35 patients. The 2 groups were similar with respect to age, sex, diagnosis and operation performed. The overall postoperative morbidity was 35% for the NCJ group and 62% for the STJ group. Mortality was 19% and 35%, respectively. Minor complications related to the jejunostomy occurred in 16% of the NCJ group and 9% of the STJ group. Diarrhea and abdominal distension occurred with equal frequency in the 2 groups. One NCJ patient required reoperation for intestinal obstruction at the catheter exit site, and 1 STJ patient required operative closure of a fistula following tube removal for major complication rates of 1.8% and 2.8%, respectively. The statement that STJ is associated with more jejunostomy-related complications than NCK is not substantiated. Because of greater ease of insertion, NCK remains the procedure of choice for adjunctive feeding jejunostomy.