The nasal loop provides an alternative to percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in high-risk dysphagic stroke patients.

INTRODUCTION: In the management of dysphagic stroke patients, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomies (PEGs) are frequently sited early due to the failure of nasogastric tube (NGT) feeding, with NGTs becoming displaced in over 58% of cases. PEG insertion is a procedure with significant mortality and morbidity. We adapted a novel technique of securing NGTs (a nasal loop) which is non-invasive, allows successful NG feeding and may avoid the need for PEG placement.

AIMS: To show that nasal loops result in improved delivery of enteral nutrition. To compare the outcome and complication rate of nasal loop fed patients with those undergoing PEG feeding.

METHODS: A 6 month prospective audit of dysphagic stroke patients who were referred for PEG. All patients who were referred with failed NG feeding within 28 days of presentation were offered a nasal loop. Patients who were 28 days post-stroke had a PEG placed if appropriate. The daily feed intake was monitored before and after nasal loop placement. Complication rates and patient outcomes were documented at 2 week and 3 month follow-up.

RESULTS: Nasal loop group: 14 patients had a nasal loop for a median of 15 days. The median daily feed provided was 0% before nasal loop and 100% after. Four patients went on to recover normal swallowing, 4 patients died and 6 later proceeded to PEG. PEG group: Seven patients proceeded direct to PEG, 1 died and 6 were alive and PEG fed at 3 months. There were 6 complications from PEG insertion. No patients recovered normal swallowing.

CONCLUSIONS: Nasal loops are safe, well tolerated, and effective at delivering full enteral nutrition. Nasal loops allow time for patients who may recover normal swallowing to do so, and thus avoid a PEG. Nasal loops avoid unnecessary PEG insertion in those with a poor prognosis who will not ultimately survive their initial stroke.