Rapid long tube intubation of the jejunum--an improved technique.

This study details improvements in the intubation of a long intestinal decompression tube by use of a new flexible tip guide wire and a new intestinal decompression tube. The intubation route of the endoscope was changed from the oral to the nasal cavity. Although the guide wire formerly used (TGBD-65-345) could be inserted into the descending part of the duodenum by passing it through the biopsy channel of the endoscope, with this new method, the guide wire (TGBD-65-450) could be inserted into the upper jejunum. The endoscope could also be left in the stomach, when this method was used. The long tube was introduced along this guide wire into the upper jejunum. As a result of these improvements, the intubation rate for long intestinal decompression tubes was significantly more rapid and the time reduced. Intubation rate to the jejunum was 96 percent successful, as compared with a former success rate of 75 percent. The intubation time was decreased to 11.3 +/- 5.6 min. to the duodenum and 18.6 +/- 8.6 min. to the upper jejunum. This differs markedly from the former method which required 16.0 +/- 5.3 min. and 39.6 +/- 22.7 min, respectively.