The American journal of gastroenterology
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Am. J. Gastroenterol. · May 2009
Endoscopic position control of nasoenteral feeding tubes by transnasal re-endoscopy: a prospective study in intensive care patients.
In critically ill patients, correct placement of enteral feeding tubes is usually controlled by X-ray. A bedside method without radiation exposure would be preferable. This study aimed to demonstrate the feasibility and value of endoscopic position control for enteral feeding tubes by transnasal re-endoscopy. ⋯ Endoscopic position control of enteral feeding tubes by re-endoscopy is feasible, very accurate, leads to a high rate of successful feeding tube placements, and has the potential of substantial cost-savings.
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Am. J. Gastroenterol. · May 2009
Intrathecal narcotic infusion pumps for intractable pain of chronic pancreatitis: a pilot series.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of intrathecal narcotics pump (ITNP) as an alternative treatment for patients with pain from chronic pancreatitis (CP). ITNP offers the advantages of reversibility, lower total narcotic dose, and the pancreas remaining intact. ⋯ This study shows the many risks and benefits of ITNP. A longer follow-up is awaited; such pumps appear to be one alternative to aggressive surgical intervention. Failed ITNP trials leave other options open. Therapeutic trials directly comparing pancreatectomy, ITNP, and implanted nerve stimulators are of interest.