Endoscopic Intervention for Enteral Access

Contrary to total parenteral nutrition with its relatively recent introduction into modern clinical medicine, enteral nutrition has a long and colorful history. Prior to development of fiberoptic endoscopy, physicians attempting to feed patients who could not or would not eat were limited to the blind placement of intestinal tubes or radiologically assisted placement of these devices. Previous to these modern attempts, the use of nutrient enemas was attempted for which there was evidence of occasional success. With the introduction of fiberoptic flexible endoscopy, guidance of tubes into the upper intestinal tract under direct vision became feasible. The manner in which tubes were positioned, advanced, or manipulated are myriad and attest to the ingenuity of clinicians. A revolution in endoscopic intervention occurred with the introduction of the percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in 1980. This provided secure access to the stomach without a laparotomy. This technique was also modified to allow decompression of the stomach with feeding distally into the small intestine and also direct puncture and placement of tubes into the small intestine. The most recent advance in enteral nutrition is taking place at the present time with the introduction of laparoscopic techniques in the creation of gastrostomies and jejunostomies.