jejunostomy
Pronunciation: jeh-joo-NOS-toh-mee
Surgical creation of an opening into the jejunum for feeding or decompression.
Full Definition
Jejunostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an artificial opening (stoma) between the jejunum and the abdominal wall surface. This can be performed for feeding access (feeding jejunostomy) when the upper GI tract needs to be bypassed, or for decompression in cases of bowel obstruction. In gastrointestinal oncology, feeding jejunostomies are commonly created during major upper GI resections to provide nutritional support during recovery when normal oral intake is not possible. The procedure can be performed as a primary operation or as part of a larger surgical procedure.
Usage
Usage note: Specify purpose (feeding vs decompression) when documenting.
In Context
- "A feeding jejunostomy was created to provide postoperative nutritional support." — Operative report
- "The jejunostomy tube was removed after return of normal oral intake." — Discharge summary