Nasojejunal feeding tube placement in immobile patients.

A technique for placement of nasojejunal feeding tubes has been developed that makes use of a long peel-away sheath for nasoesophageal access and a torque catheter for tube placement. The technique requires little dependent patient positioning. It was successful in 33 of 34 patients, 24 of whom were relatively immobile. Procedure time and fluoroscopy time were reduced, and irritation to the oropharynx, hypopharynx, and esophagus was minimized.