Direct re-instillation through endotracheal intubation tubes during enteral nutrition for short bowel syndrome

Case report of a 65-year-old man, operated on for small bowel infarction. Only the initial 40 cm of the jejunum, and the last 10 cm of the ileum were vital and could be kept. The ileo-caecal valve and the colon were not resected. Two stomas were carried out: a left-sided jejunostomy, and a right-sided ileostomy. Enteral nutrition was attempted, but jejunal outflow increased. It was therefore decided to attempt re-instillation of jejunal juices directly to the ileum using two 33 CH endotracheal tubes connected with soft chest drain tubing. A bag was placed over the jejunal tube to collect any leakage. Semi-elemental enteral nutrition could then be successfully carried out, and parenteral feeding stopped. With this simple appliance, the patient was able to lead as normal a life as possible. After 42 days of such feeding, the patient had only lost 2 kg in body weight, and intestinal continuity was re-established.