Post-pyloric feeding

Table 1 Differences between gastric and jejunal feeding

	Nasogastric tube	Nasojejunal tube
Indications	Anorexia, dysphagia, odynophagia	Gastroparesis, gastric outlet obstruction, recurrent aspirations, severe pancreatitis, hyperemesis gravida, proximal enteric fistula, postoperative anastomotic gastroenteric stenosis
Insertion technique	Easy access, no need for endoscopic or radiological study or medication	Needs endoscope or prokinetic agents
Costs	Much cheaper because: 1. low cost of the tube; 2. may be inserted by a nurse	More expensive because: 1. costly equipment; 2. requires insertion by physician
Physiology	More physiological, keep normal motility and hormonal profile	Less controlled motility and hormonal control. Less pancreatic stimulation if inserted after the Trietz ligament
Feeding mode	Bolus or continuous. Pump is not mandatory	Continuous only. Pump is mandatory in most cases
Risk of aspiration	High in patients with GER and swallowing impairments	Less frequent but not absolutely prevented
Clogging rate	Rare thanks to larger diameter of tube	Frequent