Continuous pump-tube enteric hyperalimentation.

The enteric route remains an overlooked site of alimentation. An intact functioning gastrointestinal tract can and should be used, even if the patient will not or cannot eat. The use of continuous pump-tube feeding of liquid diets through a small caliber feeding tube into the distal part of the duodenum or proximal portion of the jejunum is superior to previous methods of bolus tube feeding through large bore tubes placed in the stomach. A small tube has been developed which is inserted easily and positioned in the distal portion of the duodenum or proximal part of the jejunum. This tube has excellent patient tolerance. A suitable pump is essential to success. Elemental diets are not needed for routine enteric alimentation. They are expensive and, because of their hyperosmolarity, require a period of patient adaptation. Isocal, a complete liquid diet, essentially isotonic and lactose-free, provides 1 calorie per milliliter and has been used successfully as a pump-tube feeding diet. It rapidly converts the nitrogen balance of patients from negative to positive when given in quantities exceeding 30 calories per kilogram of body weight.