Medical Surgical Supplies and Enteral Feeding
There are a broad variety of reasons as to why a patient may not be able to consume food and medication on their own. They may have sustained an injury that has reduced their ability to chew and break down food. They may have experienced a stroke, rendering part of their face paralysed. Infants often require enteral feeding if they are failing to gain weight or show a strong disinterest in their food.
Enteral feeding is a common medical process that requires an extensive variety of medical surgical supplies. Fortunately, Paragon Care’s experience in this area, combined with our commitment to providing our clients with the finest quality products, devices, and equipment, makes stocking your healthcare clinic simple.
What is enteral feeding?
Enteral feeding is the process of ingesting food or drugs via the gastrointestinal tract. In a healthcare context, enteral feeding often refers to the placement of a tube that goes directly to the small intestine.
Patients who require enteral feeding often have some sort of injury or illness that prevents them from consuming food in a regular fashion; however, their gastrointestinal tract still functions correctly. Enteral feeding, therefore, differs from infusion therapy in that the food or medication is not delivered directly to the bloodstream.
Broadly speaking, there are three different types of enteral feeding:
- Orogastric, in which a tube is passed through the mouth, the oropharynx, the oesophagus, and down into the stomach.
- Nasogastric, in which a tube is passed through the nose, the back of the throat, through the oesophagus, and down into the stomach.
- Gastronomy (also known as jejunostomy), in which a tube is inserted through the abdominal wall, directly into the stomach.
While enteral feeding is a relatively common procedure, there is risk for potential complications. These include aspiration — where food travels into the lungs — infection of the tube, tube dislodgement, and tube blockage.
Products required for enteral feeding
A range of products are needed to ensure enteral feeding is conducted in a safe and effective manner.
The types of products required depend on the type of enteral feeding being administered to the patient (orgastric, nasogastric, or gastronomy). Typically these products can include feeding pumps, feeding tubes, tube extension sets, syringes, and additional accessories.
Enteral feeding can be used on both a short and long term basis, depending on the patient’s needs. Many patients with chronic conditions require enteral feeding for years at a time. As such, the products need to be accessible, and easily cleaned and replaced, to reduce the risk of infection or misuse.
Paragon Care — your partner for medical surgical supplies
When it comes to medical surgical supplies, Paragon Care has got your healthcare facility covered.
Not only do we provide all of the equipment and accessories required by patients undergoing enteral feeding, our product portfolio extends across all facets of medical care. Whether you are looking for capital equipment or consumable supplies, we pride ourselves on providing our clients with the highest quality products.
Our portfolio is complemented by our service and maintenance offerings. Our team of service technicians are trained and knowledgeable and understand the importance of keeping your equipment up and running if you are to best serve the needs of your patients.
If you are looking to purchase medical surgical supplies, including enteral feeding products, contact Paragon Care today.