Comparison of a new unguided self-advancing jejunal tube with the endoscopic guided technique: a prospective, randomized study

To compare the success rate of correct jejunal placement of a new self-advancing jejunal tube with the gold standard, the endoscopic guided technique, in a comparative intensive care unit (ICU) patient population.

Prospective, randomized study.

Two medical ICUs at a university hospital.

Forty-two mechanically ventilated patients with persisting intolerance of intragastric enteral nutrition despite prokinetic therapy.

Patients were randomly assigned to receive an unguided self-advancing jejunal feeding tube (Tiger Tube™) or an endoscopic guided jejunal tube (Freka^® Trelumina). Primary outcome measure was the success rate of correct jejunal placement after 24 h.

Correct jejunal tube placement was reached in all 21 patients using the endoscopic guided technique whereas the unguided self-advancing jejunal tube could be placed successfully in 14 out of 21 patients (100% versus 67%; P = 0.0086). In the remaining seven patients, successful endoscopic jejunal tube placement was performed subsequently. Duration of tube placement was longer in the unguided self-advancing tube group (20 ± 12 min versus 597 ± 260 min; P < 0.0001). Secondary outcome parameters (complication rate, number of attempts, days in correct position with accurate functional capability, days with high gastric residual volume, length of ICU stay, ICU mortality) were not statistically different between the two groups. No potentially relevant parameter predicting the failure of correct jejunal placement of the self-advancing tube could be identified.

Success rate of correct jejunal placement of the new unguided self-advancing tube was significantly lower than the success rate of the endoscopic guided technique.