Comparison of Feeding Jejunostomy via Gastric Tube Versus Jejunum After Esophageal Cancer Surgery.

BACKGROUND

Jejunostomy is an essential route for nutritional support after esophageal cancer surgery. However, catheter-related complications may occur. This study compared the complications of feeding jejunostomy between gastric tube and jejunum after esophageal cancer surgery.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

The records of 215 patients with esophageal cancer who underwent radical esophagectomy with retrosternal gastric tube reconstruction between January 2010 and November 2016 were examined. One hundred and thirty-three patients underwent feeding jejunostomy via gastric tube and 82 patients underwent the procedure via the jejunum, and their records were reviewed for catheter-related complications.

RESULTS

Catheter-related complications occurred in five patients in the gastric tube group and 12 in the jejunum group (3.8% vs. 14.6%, p=0.005). Mechanical bowel obstruction requiring surgical therapy occurred in three patients in the jejunum group, but in none in the gastric tube group (p=0.026).

CONCLUSION

Feeding jejunostomy reconstruction via gastric tube appears to be a safe and useful procedure.