A Novel Solution to Securing Nasogastric Feeding Tubes in Pediatric Burn Patients
Alyssa Brzenski
University of California, San Diego, Department of Anesthesiology, 200 West Arbor Dr, San Diego Ca 92103, United States.
Bruce Potenza
University of California, San Diego, Department of Surgery, 200 West Arbor Dr, San Diego Ca 92103, United States.
Jeanne Lee
University of California, San Diego, Department of Surgery, 200 West Arbor Dr, San Diego Ca 92103, United States.
Mark Greenberg
University of California, San Diego, Department of Anesthesiology, 200 West Arbor Dr, San Diego Ca 92103, United States.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: To present a novel method of securing nasogastric (NGT) feeding tubes in pediatric burn patients.
Presentation of Case: We have developed an arrangement of tube, twill tie and suture, to secure a feeding tube in position, in which a twill tie is secured around the patient’s head and interwoven into the burn dressing. The NGT is secured to the twill tie via a locking suture.
Discussion: Nasogastric feeding tubes are important in pediatric burn patients to facilitate the healing process by meeting their increased metabolic demand for protein and calories. These tubes are typically secured via tape to the face, but in patients with facial burns tape may not adequately anchor the feeding tube, allowing for unintended dislodgement of the NGT. Inadvertent removal of nasogastric tubes places patients at risk for complications including prolonged healing time and aspiration, as well as the need for replacement of the NGT.
Conclusion: We present a novel method of securing nasogastric feeding tubes in pediatric burn patients, which has decreased the inadvertent dislodgement of NGTs in the pediatric burn patients.
Keywords: Nasogastric tube, burns, aspiration.