What tube is recommended for patients at high risk of aspiration?

The nasoenteric tube is recommended for patients at high risk of aspiration because it is designed to bypass the stomach and deliver nutrition directly into the small intestine, specifically the duodenum or jejunum. This method significantly reduces the risk of aspiration, as the feeding is delivered further along the gastrointestinal tract where the risk of entry into the respiratory system is minimized.

In patients who are unable to swallow safely or are at an increased risk for aspiration, such as those with neurological deficits or certain swallowing disorders, the use of a nasoenteric tube ensures that the nutrition is provided in a way that protects the airway. By utilizing the intestines for feeding rather than the stomach, it also can help in instances where delayed gastric emptying might be a concern.

Other types of tubes, such as nasogastric or orogastric tubes, may deliver nutrition into the stomach, where the contents could potentially be regurgitated and lead to aspiration, especially in vulnerable populations. The gastric tube also poses similar risks as it is placed in the stomach rather than further down the digestive tract. Therefore, for high-risk patients, the nasoenteric tube serves as a safer option for enteral feeding.