RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Farrell valve relieves bloating in gastrostomy patient
JF BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care
JO BMJ Support Palliat Care
FD British Medical Journal Publishing Group
SP 258
OP 260
DO 10.1136/bmjspcare-2017-001375
VO 7
IS 3
A1 Alison Phippen
A1 Elaine Brennan
A1 John Ealing
A1 Samantha Kay
A1 David Waterman
YR 2017
UL http://spcare.bmj.com/content/7/3/258.abstract
AB Dysphagia and weight loss are experienced by up to 80% of patients with motor neuron disease (MND). Enteral tube feeding can benefit these patients but side effects including fullness, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation are frequent and can lead to non-compliance. Changes in feed formulation, regimens and the use of prokinetic medication can help symptoms. We describe a case where the use of gastric pressure relief bags during enteral feeding improved symptoms of bloating in a hospice inpatient with MND. Symptoms recurred when these were not used, which were only partially relieved by manual venting of the gastrostomy tube. We suggest that this simple, non-pharmacological approach to bloating may provide opportunities for symptom relief in the palliative care setting.