Avaliação da eficácia da desobstrução de sondas nasoentéricas de pequeno calibre com a utilização de 3 diferentes soluções

Introduction: Enteral nutritional therapy using a functional nasoenteric tube is essential for effective administration of drugs, fluids and nutrition. Some factors are associated with tube loss, such as incrustation with drugs and/or enteral nutrition, causing obstruction, which is one of the most usual mechanical complications affecting nutritional intake of patients, contributing significantly to the ineffectiveness of the total administration of the dietetic goal. Therefore, the prevention of this event is important, as well as the resolution of the problem in the shortest possible time. Therefore, the study aims to measure the effectiveness of different solutions for dissolving nasoenteric tubes clogs and to verify which method would provide the lowest financial cost. Methods: This is an in vitro experimental study, with a descriptive and quantitative approach. The effectiveness of 3 different solutions (mineral water, Enzyfor® and Eno®) for clearing occlusions of nasoenteric tubes was evaluated. Results: The water was effective to unclog 1 tube of the 3 samples used. The Enzyfor® enzyme solution was effective to unclog the 3 tubes and Eno® was effective to unclog 2 tubes of the 3 samples used. Regarding costs, the most affordable solution is water, followed by Eno® and Enzyfo®, with replacing to a new tube being the alternative that demands the greatest cost. Conclusion: The solutions with Enzyfor® and Eno® were more effective to unclog tubes when compared to mineral water. Given the hospital and home context, it is relevant to emphasize the importance of preventing tube obstruction through regular washing with mineral water. In the presence of obstruction, the best cost-benefit of the solutions should be evaluated to provide a better therapy to the patient.