Jejunostomy : Expert Care at Medfin

What is a Jejunostomy?

A jejunostomy involves surgically creating an opening from the jejunum to the outside of the abdomen, allowing for direct feeding into the small intestine. This is often necessary for patients who have had major digestive surgeries or those with severe gastrointestinal conditions.

What are the Causes and Symptoms?

Causes:

• Severe gastrointestinal disorders like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
• Esophageal or gastric cancer.
• Major surgeries on the stomach or esophagus.
• Chronic aspiration pneumonia.
• Severe neurological disorders affecting swallowing.

Symptoms:

• Inability to eat or drink by mouth.
• Severe malnutrition and weight loss.
• Chronic vomiting or aspiration.
• Intestinal obstruction.
• Symptoms of severe gastrointestinal distress.

How is it Diagnosed?

Diagnosing the need for a jejunostomy involves several steps, including:

• Detailed medical history and physical examination.
• Blood tests to check nutritional status and other markers.
• Imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI to evaluate the digestive tract.
• Endoscopic evaluations to assess the condition of the stomach and intestines.

How is it Treated?

Treatment involves surgically creating a stoma in the jejunum, which includes:

• Preoperative Preparation: Thorough medical evaluation and patient counseling.
• Surgical Procedure: Performed under general anesthesia, a part of the jejunum is brought through an incision in the abdominal wall to create a stoma.
• Postoperative Care: This includes education on stoma care, nutritional guidance, and monitoring for complications.

Preventive Methods

While some conditions necessitating a jejunostomy may not be preventable, you can reduce risks by:

• Early treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.
• Regular medical check-ups for patients with chronic conditions.
• Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle.
• Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.