Do you use a transanastomotic feeding tube after a Duodenal Atresia repair?

Topic overview

Article you should know! by Cecilia Gigena

Is postoperative transanastomotic feeding beneficial in neonates with congenital duodenal obstruction?

Authors: Martin Treider 1, Anders Hauge Engebretsen 2, Hans Skari 2, Kristin Bjørnland 2 3

Full article: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34910223/

Abstract

Purpose: We aimed to evaluate possible positive and negative effects of postoperative use of transanastomotic feeding tube (TAFT) in neonates operated for congenital duodenal obstruction (CDO).

Methods: This is a retrospective study reviewing medical records of neonates operated for CDO during 2003-2020 and comparing postoperative feeding outcomes and complications in patients with and without TAFT. Approval from the hospital's data protection officer was obtained.

Results: One hundred patients, 59% girls, were included, and 37% received TAFT. Mean birth weight and gestational age were 2628 (675.1) grams and 36.6 (2.4) weeks, respectively. Furthermore, 45% had no other malformations, and 36% had Down syndrome. Patient demographics were similar for TAFT and not-TAFT patients, except that not-TAFT neonates weighed median 335 g less (p = 0.013). The TAFT group got parenteral nutrition 2 days shorter (p < 0.001) and started enteral feeds 1.5 days earlier (p < 0.001) than the not-TAFT group. Fewer neonates with TAFT got a central venous catheter [65 vs 89%, (p = 0.008)]. In the TAFT group, 67% were breast fed at discharge compared to 49% in the not-TAFT group (p = 0.096).

Conclusion: Neonates with TAFT had earlier first enteral feed, fewer days with parenteral nutrition and fewer placements of central venous catheters.

Keywords: Annular pancreas; Duodenal obstruction; ERAS; Enteral feeding; Neonatal surgery; Transanastomotic feeding tube.

Intended audience: Healthcare professionals and clinicians.