Blenderized Tube Feeding and Enterostomy Tube Occlusions Among Adults with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Primary Lateral Sclerosis

Adults with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) may develop swallowing difficulties and elect to receive an enterostomy feeding tube for nutrition support. Blenderized tube feeding (BTF) appeals to those interested in a homemade enteral nutrition option, but there are concerns of feeding tube occlusion and limited research on this potential risk. Therefore, our purpose was to determine the frequency of, and risk factors for, feeding tube occlusions among adults with ALS or PLS who use BTF. For this retrospective study, the electronic medical records of tube-fed adults with ALS or PLS who received outpatient care at a provincial ALS clinic during a two-year period were reviewed (n = 651). There were 97 tube-fed patients identified, of which 20 (21%) used BTF. Average duration of BTF use was 11.25 ± 7.5 months. Seven subjects (35%) used BTF exclusively, while 13 (65%) used a combination of BTF and commercial enteral formula. All received BTF by gastrostomy tube, sized 14 to 24 French. BTF administration methods and compliance with water flush recommendations varied. Despite the perceived risk of feeding tube occlusions with blenderized tube feeding, no occlusions were found to have occurred in this study.

A NEW SURGICAL TECHNIQUE FOR PREVENTION OF LEAKAGE AFTER DUODENAL REPAIRS

Background: Duodenal injuries, due to their retroperitoneal location, are a diagnostic challenge to the surgeon; for this reason, they are identified in a late stage, and thus associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The diagnosis of duodenal injury requires a high level of suspicion. Delayed diagnosis and management of these injuries results in increased morbidity and mortality rates. It must be remembered that the retroperitoneal location of the duodenum usually precludes early detection of injury by physical examination, which is characterised by minimal findings. Signs of defence, abdominal rigidity and absence of bowel sounds indicate intra-abdominal injury and lead to a surgical procedure. There are many different surgical procedures based on injury complexity, one of which is the tube duodenostomy technique. Despite the advances in surgical technique, duodenal lesions are still associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Purpose: The purpose of this presentation is to describe a new surgical technique in the management of duodenal injuries. Surgical Technique: The technique was performed on a patient, presented with Crohn’s disease together with intestinal tuberculosis, in the management of duodenal injury secondary to duodenocolic fistula and abscess during the postoperative follow-up. The patient was operated on due to invagination, intra-abdominal abscess and general condition deterioration. The second operation was performed because of contrast extravasation from the duodenum. Especially the third part of the technique, application of negative pressure through a tube enterostomy in order to prevent the accumulation of secretions and pressure increase in the duodenum, minimized the intra-duodenal pressure and decreased the risk of anastomotic dehiscence and fistula formation (Figure 1). For this purpose, continuous negative aspiration was performed with an aspiration cannula extended through the enterostomy tube during the first 14 days. The patient was recovered without any complications. Conclusion: The authors concluded that this new technique of “pyloric exclusion, the repair of the mucosal layer of the primary wound in the duodenum with a stapler and of serosa with vicryl, minimizing intra-duodenal pressure by applying negative pressure with the enterostomy tube” can be considered to be an alternative solution for duodenal injuries.

Primary Mucosal Melanoma of the Stomach

Considered to be rare, mucosal melanomas are rare type of melanoma that are found on mucosal surfaces and are primary or metastatic in origin. We report a case of a 66-year-old Hispanic female who presented with vague abdominal pain and upon further endoscopic work-up revealed 2 gastric lesions. Endoscopic biopsy results revealed gastric melanoma in the distal lesion. A PET/CT scan indicated it to be suspicious for the primary site of metastasis but was ultimately diagnosed as a benign nevus on biopsy. An extensive clinical exam showed no other probable sites of origin. The patient underwent a subtotal Billroth II gastrectomy and enterostomy tube placement for temporary feeding. Primary melanoma of the stomach is an exceptionally rare occurrence with limited cases that can be accounted for in literature; thus we report this case for review.

Limited approach to the right flank for placement of a duodenostomy tube

A new enterostomy tube placement technique is described for provision of nutrients into the duodenum. Placement of the duodenostomy tube (d-tube) is performed through a limited right flank approach under sedation and local anesthesia. Seven client-owned animals (three dogs and four cats) requiring enteral nutritional support were selected for d-tube placement. Patients were fed via the d-tube for two to 28 days. Complications included discomfort when manipulating and exteriorizing the duodenum, discomfort with bolus feedings, local cellulitis, and tube site infection. All complications resolved without further incident. This technique should be considered in patients that are not good candidates for prolonged general anesthesia or esophageal or gastric feeding, or patients being mechanically ventilated.