Jejunostomy

A Jejunostomy Is A Type Of Surgical Procedure That Involves The Creation Of An Artificial Opening Into The Jejunum, Which Is The Upper Part Of The Small Intestine. It Is Typically Used To Provide Direct Access To The Intestines For The Delivery Of Food And Medications When A Person Is Unable To Swallow. For Example, It May Be Used In People Who Are Unable To Absorb Nutrients Due To Conditions Such As Crohn's Disease Or Cystic Fibrosis. The Procedure Is Usually Performed Using A Laparoscope, A Thin Tube With A Camera And Other Instruments Attached. The Surgeon Will Make A Small Incision In The Abdomen, Then Insert The Laparoscope To View The Abdominal Cavity. The Jejunum Is Then Located And A Stoma, Or Hollow Opening, Is Created. A Flexible Tube, Known As A Jejunostomy Tube (J-Tube), Is Inserted Through The Stoma And Into The Jejunum. This Tube Can Be Used To Provide Nutrition And Medications Directly To The Small Intestine. After The Procedure, The Patient Will Need To Be Monitored Closely To Ensure The J-Tube Is Working Properly And That The Patient Is Receiving Adequate Nutrition. The Tube May Need To Be Flushed Regularly With Water Or Other Fluids To Prevent It From Becoming Blocked. In Some Cases, A Special Dressing May Need To Be Applied To The Site Of The Stoma To Keep It Clean And Reduce The Risk Of Infection. The Jejunostomy Procedure Is Generally Safe, Although There Is A Risk Of Infection Or Bleeding At The Site Of The Stoma. The Benefits Of The Procedure May Outweigh The Risks, However, As It Can Provide Much Needed Nutrition Or Medications To People Who Are Unable To Swallow.