A device to perform percutaneous cervical pharyngostomy (PCP) for enteral nutrition.

ABSTRACT

Percutaneous Cervical Pharyngostomy (PCP) is a technique of proven usefulness in Enteral Nutrition and has been used for over 20 years. The procedure has been modified to make it less traumatic and easier to perform. To further improve the technique we have developed a special device, with which it can be performed with minimum trauma under local anaesthesia, and with a smaller number of manoeuvres when compared with previous techniques. In addition, it gives rise to less occupation of the pharyngostomic passage by the nutritional tube (8 Fr.). We have successfully utilised this device on 37 patients, in whom the procedure took no more than 15 minutes. We had no technical complications. Based on our experience, we think that the use of this device makes the application of PCP easier in Enteral Nutrition.