Enteral nutrition during acute pancreatitis: feasibility study of a self-propeeling spiral distal end jejunal tube.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to evaluate the feasibility of enteral jejunal nutrition for acute pancreatitis using a self-propelling spiral distal end jejunal tube. METHODS: Sixteen consecutive patients with acute pancreatitis in whom Flocare tubes were placed for enteral nutrition were included in this open prospective study. All of them had pancreatic and/or peripancreatic necrosis (Balthazar >=D). The median computed topography index was 5 (range 3-10) and the median Ranson score was 2 (range 0-5). The nasoenteric Flocare tube (spiral distal end) was inserted in the stomach at the bedside. Self progression into the jejunum was assessed by X-ray at 1, 7 and 12 hours and then every 24 hours for 4 days. The rate of successful tube self-placement in the jejunum and the time to successful placement were noted. RESULTS: Insertion was successful in 12 of 16 patients (75%). Treitz's ligament was reached in a median of 12 hours (range 1-96 hours). For the remaining patients, the tube was successfully repositioned under fluoroscopic guidance in 2 and withdrawn in 2, one for oral renutrition and one to change to a weighted jejunal tube. No tube dysfunction or recurrence of pancreatitis occurred during the entire period of enteral nutrition. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that the nasoenteric Flocare tube can be used effectively and safely in early enteral jejunal nutrition for severe acute pancreatitis, without endoscopic or radiological manipulation.