Gastroenteric tube feeding: Techniques, problems and solutions

Table 1 Tube-related complications of enteral tube feeding[203]

Mechanical complications	Tube obstruction
	Primary malposition
	Perforation of the intestinal tract
	Secondary displacement of the feeding tube
	Knotting of the tube
	Accidental tube removal
	Breakage and leakage of the tube Leakage and bleeding from insertion site
	Erosion, ulceration and necrosis of skin and mucosa
	Intestinal obstruction (ileus)
	Hemorrhage
	Inadvertent IV infusion of enteral diet
Infectious complications	Infection at the tube insertion site
	Aspiration pneumonia
	Nasopharyngeal and ear infections
	Peritonitis
	Infective diarrhea
Metabolic complications	Electrolyte disturbances
	Hyper- and hypoglycemia
	Vitamin and trace element deficiency
	Tube feeding syndrome (“Refeeding syndrome”)