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A j-tube (or PEJ) is a feeding tube which is inserted into the patient's Jejunum (small intestine). The j-tube provides patients who cannot eat an option for nutrition which is generally safer than IV nutrition. There are three options in which the tube can be placed. A PEJ tube is a tube that can be placed endoscopically by a Gastroenterologist and is often an outpatient procedure. This procedure is performed by placing a tube down the patient's esophagus, through the stomach, and into the first portion of the jejunum while the patient is sedated. When the doctor finds a good location, a light is shined through the skin and that is where the incision is made. The tube is inserted and a hard bolus is placed on the inside of the intestines to keep the tube from coming out. A j-tube can be placed either laparoscopically or through an open procedure. Typically, it is placed laparoscopically unless the patient is not a candidate due to adhesions from previous surgeries or other complications. Usually after a surgical placement the patient will remain in the hospital at least for a few days as the nutrition is started very slowly until the patient is tolerating the feedings well enough to go home under the care of a home health care agency. Complications of the j-tube include pain, bowel obstruction, not tolerating feedings, and skin and internal infections. However, the complications are usually less serious than those associated with IV nutrition and therefore the j-tube is a good alternative for someone in need of long term nutritional support1. 1. http://www.endonurse.com/articles/421pharma.html
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