A Simple Bed-side Method of Enteral Feeding through Distal Mucous Fistula in Patients with Short Bowel Syndrome to overcome Parenteral Dependency: The Jategaonkar Technique.

Abstract

Today, massive proximal small bowel resection with diverting stoma formation is a relatively common occurrence, especially in an emergency setting. However, the resultant short bowel syndrome remains difficult to manage on various nutritional fronts and commencing total parenteral nutrition, along with plethora of its associated complications, becomes almost obligatory for these unfortunate patients. In this context, the authors describe an innovative, yet, handy method of enteral feeding through distal mucous fistula using two commonly available tubes in the ward, with the aim to maximise the usage of the available gut and to outwit the ensuing need of parenteral supplementation, and name it the Jategaonkar technique. Backed with successful experience of 18 cases, it is especially useful in low-income countries and can be mastered readily even by junior doctors, paramedic staff, and stoma therapists or by patient's kin, alike. Such a procedure is yet to be reported in the available literature.