Does Jejunostomy Tube Feeding Improve Outcomes After Esophagectomy

Oral intake is traditionally prohibited for the first few days after esophagectomy. To ensure sufficient nutritional intake, various feeding strategies are applied worldwide. Although the quality of available evidence is limited, jejunostomy tube feeding is recommended over nasoenteric tube feeding or total parenteral nutrition based on this literature review. Furthermore, in case an early oral feeding regimen is desired, the placement of a standby jejunostomy tube is advised in order to allow immediate enteral nutrition support in case oral intake is insufficient or contraindicated because of complications.