Endoscopic enteral access for enteral nutrition

Commentary

Endoscopic enteral access for enteral nutrition in patients who are unable to maintain an oral intake is an important palliative procedure that is within the gastroenterologist's armamentarium. Many new developments and improvements in this area have been introduced in the last decade. In this review, Dr DeLegge provides a detailed description of several bedside techniques of nasogastric-tube placements. In addition, different percutaneous endoscopic procedures for establishing enteral access are described. Importantly, proper usage of these modalities and potential complications are also presented. In the end, Dr DeLegge recognizes that endoscopists should be well trained in these endoscopic techniques, understand their advantages and disadvantages, and use proper clinical judgment when offering them to patients.

– Ronnie Fass, MD, Editor