Address of Corresponding Author

Gerontology 2004;50:417-419 (DOI: 10.1159/000080181)

  Key Words

• Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy
• Enteral nutrients, half-solid
• Gastroesophageal reflux

  Abstract

Background: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy feeding is accompanied by unique complications, which are not easily controlled. Objective: In an attempt to decrease complications, we used half-solid nutrients for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy feeding in an 85-year-old woman. The patient had been receiving enteral nutrients via percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, and we examined whether this approach can reduce complications. She presented with regurgitation of enteral nutrients and recurrent respiratory infections. Methods: Half-solid enteral nutrients, prepared by mixing liquid enteral nutrients with agar powder, were administered via percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. Results: Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disappeared immediately after the start of half-solid enteral nutrient feeding. Conclusion: Gastroesophageal reflux and leakage, two intractable late complications of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube feeding, can be alleviated by the solidification of enteral nutrients. Since this method allows quick administration of nutrients, it is also expected to help prevent the occurrence of decubitus ulcers and reduce the burden to the caregiver.

Copyright © 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

Jiro Kanie
Department of Geriatrics, Medicine in Growth and Aging, Program in Health and
Community Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine
65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, 466-8550 Nagoya, Aichi (Japan)
Tel. +81 52 744 2364, Fax +81 52 744 2371, E-Mail yus@med.nagoya-u.ac.jp

  Article Information

Received: August 12, 2003
Accepted: February 15, 2004
Number of Print Pages : 3
Number of Figures : 1, Number of Tables : 0, Number of References : 9