Inserting an intestinal probe involves inserting a small, flexible, plastic tube (called a probe) through the nose or mouth into the small intestine. The probe is used for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. What are the indications for the insertion of an intestinal probe? What complications may occur?
Intestinal probeis a thin and long plastic tube that allows access to the gastrointestinal tract.Intestinal probeis one type of such access. The others are gastric probe, PEG, gastrostomy, and jejunostomy.
Intestinal probe - indications
The naso-intestinal probecan be inserted to collect intestinal contents, continuously remove fluid from the small intestine, or collect tissue for laboratory testing. However, the intestinal probe is most often inserted for the administration of food (enteral nutrition).
Contraindications to inserting the probe through the nose into the intestine are:
- esophageal varices
- esophageal bleeding
and also - if the probe is used for enteral feeding:
- intestinal malabsorption
- paralytic intestinal obstruction
- acute abdominal syndrome
Enteric probe - fitting
Inserting a probe into the intestine requires a lot of experience and the use of endoscopic technique. The doctor inserts the probe through the nose (only for ENT contraindications through the mouth) and moves it into the intestine where it forms an attachment loop.
After inserting the probe, the doctor checks that the procedure has been carried out correctly. For this purpose, an X-ray is taken.
The probe is recommended to be replaced every 6-8 weeks.
To remove the intestinal probe, gently remove the patch around the nose, rinse the tube with a little water, gently clamp the probe and pull it out firmly (at this time, the patient should draw air into the lungs). Pulling out the sony should be done with gloves.
Intestinal probe - complications
- retraction of the probe into the stomach
- intestinal perforation
- probe clogging