Technique for Percutaneous Fluoroscopically Guided G-Tube Placement in a High-BMI Patient

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Irwin M Best, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2012
• Publisher: Hindawi Publishing Corporation
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © 2012 Irwin M. Best.
• License: Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported
• Final Published Version (URL): http://www.hindawi.com/journals/cricc/2012/807161/
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Case Reports in Critical Care
• ISSN: 2090-6420
• Volume: 2012
• Issue: 807161
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Radiology

Abstract

Enteral feeding is still the preferred method of nutritional support even in patients with excessive body mass index. Often, this mass poses a hindrance in performing routine procedures. We present a case describing the technique used to safely place a fluoroscopically guided G-tube in a patient with a significant nutritional deficit after repair of a ruptured thoracic aneurysm. Her admission weight was in excess of 180 Kg. However, protracted respiratory insufficiency and mechanical ventilation prolonged her hospital course. The G-tube was successfully placed using a fluoroscopically guided technique. The advantages of such an approach are discussed.