Gastrointestinal monitor: automatic titration of jejunal inflow to match peristaltic outflow.

A peristaltic gradient insures that chyme normally removed from the jejunal feeding site continues to be propelled caudad. The trigger for iatrogenic "feeding intolerance" is the inadvertently overwhelming of the jejunum's peristaltic outflow, even momentarily. Even minimum local stasis can stimulate a vagal reflex response. Motility of the sluggish gut further slows, leading to generalized abdominal distention, malaise, immobility, and impaired respiratory mechanics. Vagal vascular reflexes could explain the 1:1000 incidence of bowel necrosis for jejunally fed patients. We developed a clinical regimen that continuously "checks for residual" at the enteral feeding site, monitoring the adequacy of emptying. The jejunal inflow automatically is titrated to match peristaltic outflow if the latter cannot keep up. Intermittent suction aspirates the feeding catheter into a plastic chamber for 30 s. All swallowed air is removed efficiently within the close confines of the jejunal segment, without wasting digestive juices. The degassed aspirate is returned by gravity with the feedings during the second half of the 1-min cycle, unless incipient excess (>or=20 mL) fluid overflows. Only this relatively small volume of potentially excess fluid is discarded, forestalling the local distention. All patients tolerated immediate feeding without discomfort or abdominal distention, including three that had esophageal resection (including vagotomy) for carcinoma. Postoperative full enteral nutrition can be achieved quickly and safely with minimum attention, despite initially marginal gastrointestinal function.