DESCRIPTION: Enteral nutrition: A way to provide food through a tube placed in the nose, the stomach, or the small intestine. A tube in the nose is called a nasogastric tube or nasoenteral tube. A tube that goes through the skin into the stomach is called a G-Tube (gastrostomy) or PEG (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy). A tube into the small intestine is called a J-Tube (jejunostomy) or PEJ percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy tube.

Enteral nutrition can also be given orally depending on the patient's condition. Some nutritional products can be used as supplemental nutrition in addition to food.

Example: Patients with dysphagia (can't swallow) use nutritionals since the amount of pur?ed food they intake isn't enough or doesn't contain the necessary calories and/or nutrients.

TUBES: Tubes are placed either laparoscopically, operatively, or percutaneously. Examples include esophagostomy, gastrostomy (PEG), percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy (PEJ), needle catheter jejunostomy (NCJ), operative laparoscopic gastrostomy, and operative laparoscopic jejunostomy.

FORMULA SELECTION: When selecting an appropriate enteral formulation both formula characteristics and patient-specific factors should be considered. Formula variables include: digestibility/availability of the nutrients, nutritional adequacy, viscosity, osmolality, ease of use, and cost. Patient variables include: nutritional status and requirements, electrolyte balance, digestive and absorptive capacity, disease state, renal function, medical or drug therapy, and possible routes available for administration. Adult enteral formula products fall into one of the following categories: general use, high nitrogen, high nitrogen and high calorie, fiber enriched, semi-elemental, fat modified, and specialty. Dietitians are available to assist with formula selection.

Western Drug Medical Supply offers a full line of products and supplies to aide physicians and other healthcare professionals in managing the nutritional needs of both oral and tube fed patients who have special nutritional requirements. We also have a 24 hour emergency service.