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Who Places Feeding Tubes and in What Scenario?

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Enteral feeding is commonly used to provide patients with nutrition. Access via feeding tubes can be attained by multiple medical specialties through a variety of methods.

Recent Findings

There are limited data available on direct comparisons amongst gastroenterologist, interventional radiologists and surgeons, although there appears to be similar rates of complications. Fluroscopically and surgically placed feeding tubes may have a higher technical success rate than endoscopically placed tubes.

Summary

The preferred specialty for feeding tube placement varies per institution, often due to logistical matters over technique or concern for complications. Ideally, a multidisciplinary team should exist to determine which approach is best in a patient-specific manner.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cooper University Healthcare, Camden, NJ, USA

    Apeksha Shah

  2. Division of Gastroenterology, Cooper Medial School of Rowan University (CMSRU), Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ, USA

    Apeksha Shah

  3. Department of Surgery, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA

    Rebecca A. Busch

  4. Department of Radiology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA

    Erica Knavel Koepsel & Michael Woods

  5. Allegheny Center for Digestive Health, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Mohamed Eisa

  6. Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA

    Sonali Palchaudhuri

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  2. Rebecca A. Busch
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Correspondence to Apeksha Shah.

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Conflicts of Interest

Erica Knavel Koepsel has no relevant conflicts of interest.

Mike Woods has no relevant conflicts of interest.

Apeksha Shah participated in the Nestle Nutrition Institute Clinical Nutrition Fellowship.

Rebecca Busch participated in the Nestle Nutrition Institute Clinical Nutrition Fellowship.

Mohamed Eisa participated in the Nestle Nutrition Institute Clinical Nutrition Fellowship.

Sonali Palchaudhuri participated in the Nestle Nutrition Institute Clinical Nutrition Fellowship.

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Shah, A., Busch, R.A., Koepsel, E.K. et al. Who Places Feeding Tubes and in What Scenario?. Curr Gastroenterol Rep 25, 175–181 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11894-023-00880-x

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