Nutritional support: formulas and delivery of enteral feeding. II. Delivery systems.

As interest in enteral feeding formulas and techniques grows, the hardware (tubes, bags, pumps) is becoming increasingly sophisticated. Newer materials have eliminated earlier problems with feeding tubes, and different lengths and lumen sizes have made access to the gastrointestinal tract more efficient. Patients can be fed via nasoenteric access or directly via gastrostomy or jejunostomy. Enteral nutrition can be administered safely if a protocol for feeding patients and monitoring them regularly is followed. If done carefully, transitional feedings can also be carried out effectively.