Enteral Access and Associated Complications.

Enteral access is the foundation for feeding in patients unable to meet their nutrition needs orally and have a functional gastrointestinal tract. Enteral feeding requires placement of a feeding tube. Tubes can be placed through an orifice or percutaneously into the stomach or proximal small intestine at the bedside or in specialized areas of the hospital. Bedside tubes can be placed by the nurse or the physician, such as in the intensive care unit. Percutaneous feeding tubes are placed by the gastroenterologist, surgeon, or radiologist. This article reviews the types of enteral access and the associated complications.