Enteral

Enteral

Enteral (/ɛnˈtɛrəl/), derived from the Greek word "enteron" meaning intestine, refers to the method of feeding that uses the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This method is used when a patient is unable to consume food orally but their digestive system is functioning.

History

The concept of enteral feeding dates back to ancient times, with evidence of its use in Egyptian papyri and Hippocratic texts. However, the modern practice of enteral feeding began in the 19th century with the development of feeding tubes.

Types of Enteral Feeding

There are several types of enteral feeding, including:

• Nasogastric tube: A tube that is passed through the nose and down into the stomach.
• Gastrostomy: A surgical procedure to create an opening in the stomach for a feeding tube.
• Jejunostomy: A surgical procedure to create an opening in the jejunum (part of the small intestine) for a feeding tube.

Indications

Enteral feeding is indicated for patients who are unable to consume adequate nutrition orally due to conditions such as:

• Stroke
• Cancer
• Neurological disorders
• Gastrointestinal disorders

Complications

Possible complications of enteral feeding include:

• Infection
• Malnutrition
• Dehydration
• Gastrointestinal complications

See Also

• Parenteral nutrition
• Nutrition support therapy
• Clinical nutrition

External Links

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Enteral
• Wikipedia's article - Enteral

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