What is a j tube?

Question

I was reading about a baby that has shaken baby syndrome and his j tube was clogged. What does that mean? Is it hard to get it un-clogged?

Answer 1

J-tubes clog with surprising frequency. It is quite easy to clear them. I've seen lots of nurses use a carbonated beverage (usually Coca-Cola because of the effervescence and acids in the cola dissolves the formula clogging the tube) pushed through the tube with a large syringe. It is always wise to flush the tube with water after a feeding to prevent clogging. A J- tube is used in patients with a higher risk of reflux, which can end up in the lungs causing aspiration pneumonia, which can be lethal. G-tubes (gastrostomy, or PEG tubes, are placed in the stomach rather than the small intestine) have a higher risk for aspiration, especially in neurologically impaired patients like those with Shaken Baby Syndrome.

Answer 2

A j-tube (or PEJ) is a feeding tube which is inserted into the patient's Jejunum (small intestine). The j-tube provides patients who cannot eat an option for nutrition which is generally safer than IV nutrition. There are three options in which the tube can be placed.
A PEJ tube is a tube that can be placed endoscopically by a Gastroenterologist and is often an outpatient procedure. This procedure is performed by placing a tube down the patient's esophagus, through the stomach, and into the first portion of the jejunum while the patient is sedated. When the doctor finds a good location, a light is shined through the skin and that is where the incision is made. The tube is inserted and a hard bolus is placed on the inside of the intestines to keep the tube from coming out.

A j-tube can be placed either laparoscopically or through an open procedure. Typically, it is placed laparoscopically unless the patient is not a candidate due to adhesions from previous surgeries or other complications. Usually after a surgical placement the patient will remain in the hospital at least for a few days as the nutrition is started very slowly until the patient is tolerating the feedings well enough to go home under the care of a home health care agency. Complications of the j-tube include pain, bowel obstruction, not tolerating feedings, and skin and internal infections. However, the complications are usually less serious than those associated with IV nutrition and therefore the j-tube is a good alternative for someone in need of long term nutritional support.