Subcutaneously implanted enteral nutrition port.

Background: Patients who have undergone esophagectomy with extensive lymph node dissection under thoracolapalotomy for advanced esophageal carcinomas frequently need long-term nutrition support because of their inadequate oral intake. We have used tube enterostomy feeding for these patients not only immediately after the operations but also at home to prevent the development of malnutrition. Patients who receive long-term tube enterostomy feeding often suffer from skin problems around the enteral nutrition catheters. Once the catheter is removed, the patient with anticipated malnutrition is subsequently unable to receive beneficial enteral nutrition. We have developed a new enteral access system that is placed subcutaneously. This subcutaneously implanted enteral nutrition port makes possible intermittent and long-term enteral nutrition support not only for the postoperative period but also for home care. Methods: This system consists of the port (Infuse-a-Port, SMAP15 Snaplock Macro-Port Venous Access System; Strato Medical Co) and the enteral nutrition tube (Enteral Tube 8F, 75 cm; Zeon Co). This system was applied to seven patients who had undergone esophagectomy. The port was placed on the lower chest subcutaneously, and the catheter was placed through the gastric tube and duodenum up to the jejunum. After the operation, a 20-gauge port needle was placed, and enteral nutrition formula (Enterued; Termo Co) was started with the enteral nutrition pump. Results: No complications (eg, infection of skin, obstruction of tube) were observed from the postoperative period through the home care stage. The observation period for this implanted system ranged from 2 to 12 months. The patients were able to avoid the malnutrition anticipated after the extensive operations and continued to receive nutrition support safely and effectively at home. Conclusion: This new nutrition support system is safe and efficient for patients who anticipate long-term enteral nutrition support. A subcutaneously implanted enteral nutrition port makes possible intermittent and long-term nutrition support without patient discomfort and inconvenience.