Intraoperative Transpyloric Tube Insertion for Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: Analysis of Japanese Study Group Data.

BACKGROUND: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a severe congenital disease. Some CDH infants suffer from gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), even after surgical correction of gastric position. A transpyloric tube (TPT) is inserted into CDH patients under direct observation intraoperatively in some hospitals in Japan to establish early enteral feeding. This strategy avoids gastric expansion to maintain a better respiratory condition. However, it is unclear whether the strategy has a secure effect for patient prognosis. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of intraoperative TPT insertion on enteral feeding and postoperative weight gain. METHODS: The Japanese CDH Study Group database was used to identify infants with CDH born between 2011 and 2016, who were then divided into two groups: the TPT group and gastric tube (GT) group. In the TPT group, infants underwent intraoperative TPT insertion; postoperative insertion/extraction of TPT was irrelevant to the analysis. Weight growth velocity (WGV) was calculated using the exponential model. Subgroup analysis was performed using Kitano's gastric position classification. RESULTS: We analyzed 204 infants, of which 99 and 105 were in the TPT and GT groups, respectively. Enteral nutrition (EN) in the TPT and GT groups was 52 ± 39 and 44 ± 41 kcal/kg/day (p = 0.17) at age 14 days (EN14), respectively, and 83 ± 40 and 78 ± 45 kcal/kg/day (p = 0.46) at age 21 days (EN21), respectively. WGV30 (WGV from day 0 to day 30) in the TPT and GT groups was 2.3 ± 3.0 and 2.8 ± 3.8 g/kg/day (p = 0.30), respectively, and WGV60 (WGV from day 0 to day 60) was 5.1 ± 2.3 and 6.0 ± 2.5 g/kg/day (p = 0.03), respectively. In infants with Kitano's Grade 2 + 3, EN14 in the TPT and GT groups was 38 ± 35 and 29 ± 35 kcal/kg/day (p = 0.24), respectively, EN21 was 73 ± 40 and 58 ± 45 kcal/kg/day (p = 0.13), respectively, WGV30 was 2.3 ± 3.2 and 2.0 ± 4.3 g/kg/day (p = 0.76), respectively, and WGV60 was 4.6 ± 2.3 and 5.2 ± 2.3 g/kg/day (p = 0.30), respectively. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative TPT insertion did not improve nutritional intake and WGV30. WGV60 in TPT was less than that in GT. In Grade 2 + 3 subgroup analysis, TPT also had no advantage. We could not recommend routine TPT insertion at surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Factors Influencing Breast Milk Fat Loss during Administration in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

The objective of this study was to investigate factors influencing fat loss during tube feeding of breast milk to preterm infants. An experimental study with 81 feeding simulations was performed, with nine continuous infusions in each of six modalities: Horizontal Higher, Horizontal Matched, Horizontal Lower, Tilted Higher, Tilted Matched, and Tilted Lower, and for comparison, 27 bolus feedings: nine flushed with air, nine with water, and nine that were not flushed, done at matched height. Each simulation utilized 16 mL of breast milk given over four hours. Continuous infusions were given with a flow rate of 4 mL/h. Bolus was given as 8 mL over the course of 15-20 min every other hour. Analysis for fat, true protein, carbohydrate, total solids, and energy was performed before and after each simulation. The percent of macronutrient loss was compared between all simulations. Continuous infusion resulted in an average fat loss of 40%. Bolus feedings resulted in an average fat loss of 11% (p ≤ 0.001). Considerable fat loss is seen during continuous tube feeding. Neither height in relation to the infant nor tilting of the pump reduce fat loss. To limit fat loss, the bolus feeding method should be utilized.

Verifying the placement and length of feeding tubes in canine and feline neonates.

BACKGROUND: Tube feeding is a common procedure in neonatology. In humans, tube misplacement reportedly occurs in up to 59% of all cases and may lead to perforation in 1.1% of preterm intubated neonates. While numerous studies on optimal tube placement have been performed in human neonates, current recommendations on tube feeding in canine and feline neonatology are based, at best, on studies performed in adult animals. Herein, we aimed to test ultrasonography as a tool to verify tube placement in puppies and kittens and to compare different anatomical predictive markers used in human, canine and feline neonates. RESULTS: The predictive tube length when held bent between the last rib and the mouth may induce trauma compared to when held straight. A strong positive linear correlation was observed between birthweight and gastric cardia localization. Ultrasonography findings were similar to coeliotomy findings. Stomach volume was less than 2 mL per 100 g in the less-than-one-day-old studied puppies (n = 25) and kittens (n = 28). CONCLUSIONS: A weight-based equation was calculated to help predict appropriate tube placement. Ultrasonography can be used to control gastric tube placement, and neonates less than one-day-old have a smaller stomach capacity. Further studies are required to evaluate whether more-than-one-day-old puppies follow the same linear correlation with their weight. Further in vivo studies are warranted to determine the gold standard procedure for tube feeding in neonatal puppies and kittens.

Previous upper abdominal surgery is a risk factor for nasogastric tube reinsertion after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Pancreaticoduodenectomy without subsequent nasogastric tube management has not been widely adopted due to delayed gastric emptying, the specific and frequent morbidity associated with this surgical procedure. We assessed the feasibility of pancreaticoduodenectomy without use of nasogastric tubes and the risk factors for subsequent nasogastric tube reinsertion. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 465 patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy at a single institution between 2010 and 2019. Primary endpoint was the rate of nasogastric tube reinsertion. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine independent risk factors of nasogastric tube reinsertion and delayed gastric emptying. RESULTS: The rate of nasogastric tube reinsertion was 10.1% (47/465). The rate of delayed gastric emptying was 9.5% (44/465). Logistic regression analysis identified 4 independent risk factors for nasogastric tube reinsertion: male sex (odds ratio = 4.42; 95% confidence interval 1.50-13.0, P = .007), comorbidity of cardiac ischemia (odds ratio = 3.04; 95% confidence interval 1.05-8.79, P = .041), preoperative cholangitis or cholecystitis (odds ratio = 2.21; 95% confidence interval 1.02-4.76, P = .044), and previous upper abdominal surgery (odds ratio = 8.34; 95% confidence interval 3.07-22.7, P < .001). Independent risk factors for delayed gastric emptying were male sex (odds ratio = 3.20; 95% confidence interval 1.11-9.21, P = .031), comorbidity of cardiac ischemia (odds ratio = 3.81; 95% confidence interval 1.34-10.8, P = .012), concomitant organ resection (odds ratio = 3.99; 95% confidence interval 1.10-14.4, P = .035), and previous upper abdominal surgery (odds ratio = 7.21; 95% confidence interval 2.68-19.4, P < .001). CONCLUSION: Pancreaticoduodenectomy without use of nasogastric tubes is feasible, but patients with previous upper abdominal surgery require careful postoperative nasogastric tube management.

Biologically transparent illumination is a safe, fast, and simple technique for detecting the correct position of the nasogastric tube in surgical patients under general anesthesia.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of using biologically transparent illumination to detect the correct position of the nasogastric tube in surgical patients. This prospective observational study enrolled 102 patients undergoing general surgeries. In all cases, a nasogastric tube equipped with a biologically transparent illumination catheter was inserted after general anesthesia. The identification of biologically transparent light in the epigastric area either with or without finger pressure indicated that the tube had been successfully inserted into the stomach. X-ray examination was performed to ascertain the tube position and was compared with the findings of the biologically transparent illumination technique. Biologically transparent light was detected in 72 of the 102 patients. In all of these 72 patients, the position of the nasogastric tube in the stomach was confirmed by X-ray examination. The light was not detected in the other 30 patients; X-ray examination showed that the nasogastric tube was positioned in the stomach in 21 of these 30 patients but not in the other 9. The sensitivity and specificity of the illumination were 77.4% and 100%, respectively. The results suggest that biologically transparent illumination is a useful and safe technique for detecting the correct position of the nasogastric tube in surgical patients under general anesthesia. When the BT light cannot be identified, X-ray examination is mandatory to confirm the position of the nasogastric tube.

Treatment of intrathoracic anastomotic leak after esophagectomy with the sump drainage tube.

BACKGROUND: Intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomotic leak is one of the deadliest complications after esophagectomy. In recent years, we have implemented new method for the treatment of intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomotic leak with the nasogastric placement of sump drainage tube through fistula into abscess cavity. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of the new method and conventional therapies for intrathoracic anastomotic leak after esophagectomy. METHOD: Esophagectomy and esophagogastric anastomotic procedures were performed in 875 patients at our institution from January 2008 to December 2019. Of these patients, 43(4.9%) patients developed intrathoracic anastomotic leaks postoperatively were enrolled into our study and their clinical data were retrospectively assessed. 20 (47%) patients from January 2008 to December 2012 received conventional treatments (group 1) known as the traditional "three-tube method", and 23 (53%) patients from January 2013 to December 2019 received new treatments (group 2), consisted of conventional therapies and the nasogastric placement of sump drainage tube through fistula into abscess cavity. RESULTS: The presence of intrathoracic anastomotic leak was proven by contrast esophagography in 43 patients (4.9%). Among them, The average duration of chest tube was 47 days in group 1 and 28 days in group 2. The average length of leak treatment was 52 days in group 1 and 35 days in group 2. The average length of postoperative hospital stay was 56 days in group 1 and 39 days in group 2, respectively. 7(35%) patients among 20 patients died from intrathoracic anastomotic leak in group 1; and 3(13%) patients among 23 patients died from intrathoracic anastomotic leak in group 2. Compared with the conventional treatments (group 1), The average duration of chest tube was significantly decreased in the new treatments (group 2) (P < 0.01), as well as the length of leak treatment (P < 0.05) and the length of postoperative hospital stay (P < 0.01). However, there was no significant difference in the mortality rate (P = 0.148 > 0.05). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, Our results showed this method of the nasogastric placement of sump drainage tube through fistula appears to be an safe, effective, technically feasible treatment option for intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomotic leak. The efficacy and feasibility could be further investigated with a well-designed and large-scale RCT research.

Small-bore feeding tube versus large-bore sump tube for early enteral nutrition in mechanically ventilated patients: A nationwide inpatient database study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: When physicians start nasogastric tube feeding in mechanically ventilated patients, they have two choices of feeding tube device: a large-bore sump tube or a small-bore feeding tube. Some physicians may prefer to initiate enteral nutrition via the large-bore sump tube that is already in place, and others may prefer to use the small-bore feeding tube. However, it remains unknown whether small-bore feeding tubes or large-bore sump tubes are better for early enteral nutrition. The present study aimed to compare outcomes between these two types of feeding tubes in mechanically ventilated patients. METHODS: Using the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination inpatient database from July 2010 to March 2018, we identified adult patients who underwent invasive mechanical ventilation for ≥2 days in intensive care units and received nasogastric tube feeding within 2 days of starting mechanical ventilation. We categorized these patients as receiving early enteral nutrition via small-bore feeding tube (8- to 12-Fr single-lumen tubes) or via large-bore sump tube. Propensity score-matched analyses were performed to compare 28-day in-hospital mortality and hospital-acquired pneumonia between the two groups. RESULTS: A total of 79,656 patients were included. Of these patients, 20,178 (25%) were in the small-bore feeding tube group. One-to-one propensity score matching created 20,061 matched pairs. Compared with those in the large-bore sump tube group, patients in the small-bore feeding tube group had significantly higher 28-day in-hospital mortality (17.0% versus 15.6%; hazard ratio, 1.08; 95% confidence interval, 1.03 to 1.14) and a significantly higher prevalence of hospital-acquired pneumonia (9.3% versus 8.5%; odds ratio, 1.11; 95% confidence interval, 1.02 to 1.21). CONCLUSIONS: This nationwide observational study suggests that small-bore feeding tubes may not be associated with better clinical outcomes but rather with increased mortality and hospital-acquired pneumonia. Because of the uncertainty regarding the mechanism of our findings, further studies are warranted.

Inadvertent stapling of the orogastric tube during bariatric surgery: Report of 3 cases and a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Entrapment of an orally introduced tube by stapling/stitching is an intra-operative complication of bariatric surgery with grave consequences. Incidence is unknown. No prevention/management strategy is available. A systematic review was performed to assess the absolute reported observed risk and incidence. Additionally, data on 3 cases during our entire sleeve gastrectomy (SG) experience is evaluated. METHODS: Literature is reviewed using PubMed/Web of science data-bases. Data was recorded prospectively. Videos of orally introduced tube staplings were re-watched, presentation/recognition/management were re-evaluated. A protocol ensuring the removal of the small caliber orogastric tube (OGT) by the surgeons direct inspection was introduced after the 3rd entrapment. RESULTS: Review revealed OGT as the most commonly entrapped tube following temperature probe and bougie. SG/stapling were the most common causative operation/reason, respectively. Leak rates over 20%, conversion, early-late re-operations and mortality were reported. During our 948 consecutive SGs, 3 OGT entrapments (0.32%), third one with double stapling, occurred. All were recognized/managed intraoperatively by freeing the entrapped-end of the OGT from the sleeve part of the staple-line. In doubly stapled case, second transected end could only be recognized when routine reinforcement suturing come in proximity. Defects were continuously stitched with barbed suture. No morbidity occurred. One-year excess-weight-loss was 82%. A pre-protocol incidence of 0.56% (n: 3/534) dropped to nil in the remaining 414. CONCLUSION: Iatrogenic stapling of the OGT during SG is rare, but morbid. It must be avoided by a strict protocol. Upon occurrence/recognition, stapling must immediately stop until the "entirety" of the tube, including the "specimen-part", is retrieved, to avoid double entrapment.

Surgical Gastrostomy in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Practices of performing gastrostomy tubes vary across institutions for patients undergoing cardiac surgery. We aim to elucidate the outcomes of gastrostomy and the duration of feeding assistance in these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients undergoing cardiac surgery (CS) at our institution from 2013 to 2017 were retrospectively reviewed using the Society of Thoracic Surgery database. A cohort of non-CS patients undergoing gastrostomy tube (g-tube) placement from 2013 to 2015 was used as control. Technical complications and postoperative feeding intolerance were analyzed. Duration of need for g-tube was also analyzed in patients undergoing CS. RESULTS: The CS group had 144 patients, and the non-CS group had 677 patients. CS patients had a higher incidence of feeding intolerance (18.8% versus 5.6%, P < 0.001) and took longer to attain full feeds (median of 2 versus 1 d, P < 0.001), and this was confirmed on propensity matched analysis. In addition, technical g-tube complications were similar in the two groups. No mortality in CS was attributed to the g-tube. 58% of patients undergoing CS were able to wean from g-tube feeding by 6-12 mo after g-tube placement. CONCLUSIONS: G-tube placement in patients undergoing CS by any technique is safe without increased complications. A significant portion of these patients was able to wean off supplemental enteral feeding assistance by a year after g-tube placement.

Impact of Protocol Utilizing Water-Soluble Contrast for Adhesive Small Bowel Obstruction.

INTRODUCTION: Adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO) has classically been managed with nasogastric tube decompression and watchful waiting. Our group developed an evidence-based protocol to manage ASBO utilizing a water-soluble contrast (WSC) agent. We hypothesized the protocol would decrease the length of stay (LOS) for patients admitted with ASBO along with the time interval from admission to surgery. METHOD: From 2010 to 2018, a retrospective review was performed, including all patients admitted with a diagnosis of ASBO. These patients were divided into two groups: the preprotocol group included years 2010-2013 and the postprotocol group included years 2015-2018. A Student t-test and a two-proportion z-test were used for statistical analysis. RESULT: We captured 767 patients; 296 in the preprotocol group and 471 in the postprotocol group. We found a significant decrease in overall LOS between the preprotocol and postprotocol groups (6.56 d versus 4.08 d; P < 0.001) along with decreases in LOS for patients managed nonoperatively (5.36 d versus 3.42 d; P < 0.001) and operatively (16.09 d versus 9.47 d; P < 0.001). Time interval from admission to the operation was significantly decreased in the postprotocol group (3.79 d versus 2.10 d; P < 0.050). We identified a trend toward decreased rates of bowel ischemia and resections with our protocol. CONCLUSIONS: These results reaffirm previous reports of WSC's impact on overall LOS in ASBO while showing a similar impact on both operative and nonoperative groups. The decreased time interval between admission and operation may impact the incidence of bowel ischemia and resections.

Uso de sonda nasogástrica en pacientes sometidos a esofaguectomía: ¿Un gesto innecesario? / Nasogastric tube utilization after esophagectomy: an unnecessary gesture?

INTRODUCCIÓN: El empleo de una sonda descompresiva nasogástrica es aceptado como uno de los cuidados perioperatorios básicos tras una cirugía de resección esofágica. Sin embargo, con el desarrollo de los programas de rehabilitación multimodal en este campo y sin una evidencia clara que sustente su empleo, la indicación sistemática de dicha medida puede resultar controvertida. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo y comparativo de los casos intervenidos de esofaguectomía tipo Ivor-Lewis en nuestro centro desde enero de 2015 hasta diciembre de 2018 con colocación (Grupo S) o no de sonda (Grupo N) descompresiva en la plastia gástrica durante el postoperatorio. Se evaluaron variables epidemiológicas y diferencias entre los grupos en morbimortalidad postquirúrgica, estancia hospitalaria, inicio de la tolerancia oral y la necesidad de colocación de sonda nasogástrica. RESULTADOS: Un total de 43 pacientes fueron incluidos en este estudio con una mediana de edad de 61 años, siendo el 86% varones. El 46,5% eran hipertensos, el 25,5% presentaban enfermedad pulmonar y el 16,3% padecían diabetes mellitus. La mediana del tiempo de estancia hospitalaria fue de nueve días en el grupo S frente a 11,5 días del grupo N, sin diferencias en el inicio de la tolerancia oral. La tasa de dehiscencia anastomótica fue del 5% y del 0%, respectivamente. La mortalidad global fue del 2,3% en los primeros 90 días, sin diferencias entre los grupos y la necesidad de colocación de la sonda durante el postoperatorio se produjo únicamente en un paciente (4,3%) del grupo N. CONCLUSIONES: La no utilización de sonda nasogástrica durante el postoperatorio de una esofaguectomía tipo Ivor-Lewis es una medida segura y no está asociada a mayor número de complicaciones ni estancia hospitalaria, pudiendo mejorar la comodidad y la recuperación postoperatoria del paciente

INTRODUCTION: Nasogastric decompressive tube utilization has been accepted as one of the basic perioperative care measures after esophageal resection surgery. However, with the development of multimodal rehabilitation programs and without clear evidence to support their use, the systematic indication of this measure may be controversial. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective, descriptive and comparative study of patients who had undergone Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy in our center -from January 2015 to December 2018- with placement (Group S), or without placement (Group N) of a decompressive tube in gastroplasty during postoperative period. Epidemiological variables and differences between groups in post-surgical morbidity and mortality, hospital stay, onset of oral tolerance and the need for nasogastric tube placement were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 43 patients were included in this study, with a median age of 61 years, being 86% male. 46.5% were hypertensive, 25.5% had lung disease and 16.3% had diabetes mellitus. The median length of hospital stay was 9 days in group S versus 11.5 days in group N, with no differences in the onset of oral tolerance. Anastomotic dehiscence rate was 5% and 0% respectively. The overall mortality was 2.3% in the first 90 days, without differences between the groups. Placement of nasogastric tube during postoperative period was required only in 1 patient (4.3%) of the group N. CONCLUSIONS: Non-use of nasogastric tube during postoperative period of an Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy is a safe measure, as it is not associated with a higher rate of complications or hospital stay. This fact may be able to improve patients' comfort and postoperative recovery

Haemorrhagic exfoliative oesophagitis associated with nasogastric tube placement.

A 92-year-old man hospitalised for cerebral infarction developed haematemesis. The patient was taking low-dose aspirin and apixaban for his cerebral infarction and non-valvular atrial fibrillation. His enteral nutrition was administrated through nasogastric tube. Upper endoscopy revealed active bleeding from a protruded lesion in the upper oesophagus. The lesion was removed by washing with a water jet, followed by successful endoscopic haemostasis. Histopathological examination revealed degenerated squamous epithelium without specific findings; the diagnosis was exfoliative oesophagitis. In our case, mechanical mucosal injury caused by nasogastric tube placement may result in exfoliative oesophagitis. In addition, the use of low-dose aspirin with apixaban may have contributed to the bleeding. We then performed a wire-guided nasogastric tube placement under fluoroscopy. No further bleeding was observed, but the patient died of sepsis 1 month later. This case highlights the importance of a risk assessment and management of oesophageal complications associated with nasogastric tube placement.

Challenging removal of a knotted nasogastric tube following insertion under general anaesthetic.

A 74-year-old man presented with acute small bowel obstruction secondary to recurrence of a caecal tumour. The patient underwent laparotomy and formation of loop ileostomy and had a nasogastric tube (NGT) inserted in the theatre. A decision was made to remove the patient's NGT postoperatively, which was found to be stuck. High-quality imaging demonstrated a knot in the tube within the nasopharynx; so, subsequent removal via the oral route necessitated sedation. This case highlights the importance of considering rare or unusual complications of NGT insertion when a patient describes more pain or discomfort than would otherwise be expected. The clarity of imaging highlights clearly the underlying findings when compared with the few other documented cases. We offer a number of learning points specific to this complication.

Impact of Using a Novel Gastric Feeding Tube Adapter on Patient's Comfort and Air Leaks During Non-invasive Mechanical Ventilation / Impacto del uso de un nuevo adaptador de sonda de alimentación gástrica en la comodidad del paciente y en las fugas de aire durante la ventilación mecánica no invasiva

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Reply to "Impact of Using a Novel Gastric Feeding Tube Adaptor on Patient's Comfort and Air Leaks During Non-invasive Mechanical Ventilation" / Réplica a "Impacto del uso de un innovador adaptador para la sonda de alimentación gástrica en la comodidad y las fugas de aire durante la ventilación mecánica no invasiva"

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Mala colocación de la sonda nasogástrica diagnosticada por ecografía en paciente postoperado de cirugía abdominal / Malposition of nasogastric tube diagnosed by ultrasound in abdominal surgery patient

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Nasogastric tube insertion difficulty in a patient with a large goiter: A case report.

Airway management under anesthesia is given special attention in patients who have large goiters. Nasogastric tube insertion may be difficult in intubated patients with large goiters. Several methods have been proposed to facilitate the insertion of nasogastric tubes in patients with endotracheal intubation; however, a standard insertion method has not been established. A 33-year-old man was admitted to our otolaryngology department for right thyroid lobectomy to remove a larger goiter. A thyroid computed tomography scan revealed a huge cystic mass with tracheal displacement. Although difficult intubation was expected, endotracheal intubation was performed successfully. An anesthesiologist attempted nasogastric tube insertion via the right nostril; however, this was not successful. Next, an angiography catheter was placed in a nasogastric tube, and the nasogastric tube was gently inserted with the patient's neck in mild flexion. This attempt also failed. Finally, the nasogastric tube was gently inserted via anterior displacement of the cricoid cartilage. The nasogastric tube advanced up to 60 cm. Surgery was performed, and the patient was discharged with no complications on postoperative day 8.

Impact of Using a Novel Gastric Feeding Tube Adaptor on Patient's Comfort and Air Leaks During Non-invasive Mechanical Ventilation / Impacto del uso de un innovador adaptador para la sonda de alimentación gástrica en la comodidad y las fugas de aire durante la ventilación mecánica no invasiva

INTRODUCTION: The presence of oral or naso-enteral probes during non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) increases the risk of leakage and patient discomfort. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel tube adapter for NIMV (TA-NIMV) in relation to leakage and comfort level. METHODS: A non-randomized quasi-experimental design was performed in an adult intensive care unit of a highly complex hospital, in which patients were their own controls. We included adult patients who required NIV with oronasal mask and who simultaneously had oral or naso-enteric tubes. The interventions were as follows: every participant received two therapies, one with the TA-NIMV and one conventional therapy of NIMV (CT-NIMV). Comfort could be evaluated in 99 patients with a Glasgow Coma Scale of 15. The outcomes of interest was the average percentage of air leak and patient comfort during each intervention. RESULTS: 196 patients were included in the study during a 16-month period. The mean air leak percentage was 9.2% [standard deviation (SD), 7.7] during TA-NIMV and 32.5% (SD, 12.5) during CT-NIMV (p < 0.001). 84.9% reported being comfortable or very comfortable during TA-VMNI. 66.7% Uncomfortable or Very uncomfortable during CT-NIMV (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Higher comfort levels and lower air leakage volume percentages were achieved using the TA-NIMV than those achieved by CT-NIMV

INTRODUCCIÓN: La presencia de sondas orales o nasoenterales durante la ventilación mecánica no invasiva (VMNI) incrementa el riesgo de fugas y la incomodidad del paciente. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la efectividad de un novedoso adaptador de sondas para VMNI (AS-VMNI) en relación con las fugas y nivel de comodidad. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un diseño cuasiexperimental no aleatorizado en la unidad de cuidados intensivos del adulto de un hospital de alta complejidad, en el cual los pacientes fueron sus propios controles. Se incluyeron pacientes adultos que requerían VMNI con máscara oronasal y que tenían simultáneamente sondas orales o nasoenterales. Cada participante recibió 2 tratamientos: uno con el AS-VMNI y otro, convencional, con VMNI (CT-NIMV). La comodidad pudo evaluarse en 99 pacientes con un 15 en la escala de coma de Glasgow. Las variables de resultado fueron el porcentaje de fugas y la comodidad del paciente durante cada una de las intervenciones. RESULTADOS: Ciento noventa y seis pacientes fueron incluidos en el estudio durante un período de 16 meses. El porcentaje medio de fuga de aire fue del 9,2% (desviación estándar, 7,7) durante el AS-VMNI y del 32,5% (desviación estándar, 12,5) durante el TC-VMNI (p < 0,001). El 84,9% de los pacientes refirieron sentirse cómodos o muy cómodos durante AS-VMNI. El 66,7% refirieron estar incómodos o muy incómodos durante TC-NIMV (p < 0,001). CONCLUSIÓN: El uso del AS-VMNI permitió mayores niveles de comodidad y menores porcentajes de fugas de aire que con el TC-VMNI

Methods of Estimating Nasogastric Tube Length: All, Including "NEX," Are Unsafe.

BACKGROUND: Predominance of blind feeding tube placement makes esophageal tube misplacement and aspiration risk commonplace. Accurate estimation of nose-to-stomach length could reduce this risk. Standards for estimating this length were audited against the length measured from guided tube placement. METHODS: This prospective, single-center observational study used electromagnet-guided tube placement to measure the length from nose to gastric body flexure as part of routine care. This measurement was used to audit standard equations used to estimate this length from external measures: xiphisternum-ear-nose + 10 cm (XEN+10), nose-ear-xiphisternum (NEX), and Hanson_A and Hanson_B. RESULTS: From April 23, 2015, to March 2, 2020, measurements were obtained from 200 primary tube placements. Median length to the gastric body flexure (61 cm) was significantly different from that to the pre-gastroesophageal junction flexure (48 cm) or lengths predicted by NEX (51 cm) or Hanson_A (50.5 cm) and Hanson_B (56.1 cm) (all P < .00001) but similar to XEN+10 (61 cm). Esophageal placement was a potential risk for all methods (NEX: 96.3%, Hanson_A: 99.5%, Hanson_B: 86.9%, XEN+10: 43.2%) and a definite risk for most (NEX and Hanson_A: 14.9%, Hanson_B: 1%, XEN+10: 0%). CONCLUSIONS: NEX and Hanson methods of predicting the length from nose to gastric body flexure are too short and risk esophageal misplacement. XEN+10 reduces but does not eliminate this risk. External measurement predictions are clinically unsafe as a guide blind tube placement. Guided placement is recommended.