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Multicenter Study
. 2025 Oct 2;41(1):306.
doi: 10.1007/s00383-025-06209-1.

Intussusception around jejunal feeding tubes in pediatric patients: a retrospective two-center experience and management strategies

Nariman Mokhaberi  1   2 , Omid Madadi-Sanjani  3 , Lina Armbrust  3   4 , Merle Körner  3   4 , Johannes Görges  5 , Daniel Tegtmeyer  6 , Sebastian Schulz-Jürgensen  6 , Konrad Reinshagen  3   4 , Christian Tomuschat  3
Affiliations
Multicenter Study

Intussusception around jejunal feeding tubes in pediatric patients: a retrospective two-center experience and management strategies

Nariman Mokhaberi et al. Pediatr Surg Int. .

Abstract

Introduction: Jejunal feeding via endoscopic, fluoroscopic, or surgical tube placement is widely used in pediatrics. A rare complication is intussusception around the jejunal feeding tube (JFT), which can cause obstruction or bowel ischemia. This study evaluated risk factors and management strategies.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all children undergoing JFT placement or revision at two centers (2014-2025). Patient and procedural data were analyzed.

Results: Among 58 patients (163 procedures), 7 children (12%) developed 8 episodes of intussusception. Median age at placement was 1 year (IQR 5); intussusception occurred a median of 1.16 years later (IQR 4.38). Five episodes resolved spontaneously, 2 by hydrostatic reduction, and 1 during unrelated surgery. Neurological impairment was present in 62% of patients. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed the highest risk within 1-2 years post-placement. Events occurred after endoscopic (6/43), surgical (1/13), and fluoroscopic (1/2) placements, with no clear link to technique.

Conclusion: Intussusception around a JFT is rare but clinically significant. It should be suspected in children with abdominal pain, bilious vomiting, or feeding intolerance. Most cases can be managed non-surgically; our algorithm supports ultrasound diagnosis, observation or hydrostatic reduction, and surgery only for ischemia or failed conservative treatment.

Keywords: Complication; Feeding tube; Intussusception; Jejunal feeding.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Conflict of interest: The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Number of interventions and median time to revision. Stacked bars show the number of interventions at each stage, categorized by approach (endoscopic, surgical, fluoroscopic, and others). The dotted line indicates the median time from initial placement to each revision
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Total number of indications for an initial JFT placement and b subsequent JFT revisions
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Kaplan–Meier Analysis: Time from Placement to Intussusception
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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