Methods of Restoring Patency to Occluded Feeding Tubes.

ABSTRACT

Obstruction of enteral tubes places clinicians at a therapeutic crossroad. One must either remove the current device and replace it, or remove the obstruction from the tube. The following article addresses issues related to clogged or obstructed enteral feeding tubes, and methods used to restore patency to these devices. Additionally, the article describes the approach the Nutritional Support Service at St. Mary of the Plains Hospital uses in restoring patency to occluded enteral feeding tubes.