Objective: Nasogastric (NG) tube feeding and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) feeding have been used for dysphagic patients as tube feeding methods. In 1988, Campbell introduced oro-esophageal (OE) tube feeding as a new feeding method, but there are no reports of safety or complications of this method.
Method: The patients 1) who could not do oral feeding and reject other tube feedings, or started oral feeding but could not be provided enough calories by this methods, 2) who had the reduced gag reflex, and 3) who had intact cognitive functions, were applied OE tube feeding and twenty patients from March 1998 to May 1999 were selected and followed up. We retrospectively reviewed their average using time, final feeding methods and complications of long term OE tube feedings.
Results: The average using time was 74⁑107 days. 13 patients used OE tube feedings continuously, and seven changed their feeding methods (two used NG tube feedings, one PEG, and 4 oral feedings). Only one patient was developed aspiration pneumonia, so he was prescribed for NG tube feeding, but others had no problems such as diarrhea.
Conclusion: The complication rate of OE tube feeding was 5%, and it was relatively safe for long term users.
