The enteral route is the preferred method of nutrition support in patients with functional gastrointestinal tracts. Many techniques for obtaining enteral access are available, and the decision regarding which one to use depends on several issues, including anticipated duration of support, aspiration risk, and local expertise. Using laparotomy, laparoscopy, fluoroscopy, or endoscopy, tubes can be placed into the stomach, the duodenum, and the jejunum. Nasogastric and nasoenteric tubes are useful for short-term supplementation; however, patients needing support for more than 6 weeks may be better served with a more permanent tube. In this review, specific methods for obtaining enteral access are discussed along with their advantages and disadvantages.
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