Enteral feeding is the delivery of nutrients directly into the digestive tract via a tube. The enteral feeding tube is usually placed into the stomach, duodenum or jejunum via either the nose, mouth or the direct percutaneous route.2
ENFit™ Connectors
The Global Enteral Device Supplier Association (GEDSA) has worked to address safety issues related to enteral feeding tubes. New GEDSA guidelines have resulted in the design of the ENFit Connector, a way to help reduce the risk of misconnection between a feeding tube port and a non-feeding connection. All enteral access devices, including feeding tubes, administration sets and enteral syringes will be impacted by these changes. The new connectors for nutrition formula feeding have already been implemented. Enteral-specific syringes will be required to connect to the new enteral tube port for medication administration, flushing, and bolus feeding.
Benefits of ENFit
Adopting the new ENFit connector is intended to provide these benefits:
Provides a way to reduce the risk of misconnection between a feeding tube port and a non-feeding connection
Addresses "patient side" connections between feeding tubes, administration sets, medication, flush and bolus feeding syringes, and other enteral devices
Recovering from your procedure
Endoscopic feeding tube insertion is a common surgery. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates that the stomach and abdomen of some patients may heal in 5 to 7 days. Some patients report moderate pain from the procedure which can sometimes be treated with medicine. In most cases, feedings will start slowly with clear liquids, and increase slowly.3
Patients and caretakers should speak with their healthcare providers for information on:
- Risks of the procedure, including bleeding and infection
- Caring for the skin around the tube
- What to do if the tube is pulled out
- Signs and symptoms of tube blockage
- Emptying the stomach through the tube (if appropriate)
- What foods to put through the tube
- Concealing the tube under clothing
- Safe activities
Regular follow-up visits
It's important to maintain all follow-up visits, even if you're feeling well. During these visits, your doctor will monitor your progress, evaluate your medications, check the status of your overall health and determine the success of your treatment.