The Routine Bridling of Nasojejunal Tubes Is a Safe and Effective Method of Reducing Dislodgement in the Intensive Care Unit

Purpose: To determine if the routine bridling of nasoenteric feeding tubes in the intensive care unit is a low-morbidity, cost-effective method of decreasing tube dislodgement. Methods: Data were prospectively collected from 62 consecutive bridled patients and compared with that from 172 consecutive unbridled patients for differences in tube dislodgement, nasal ulceration, and estimated cost. Results: Bridled patients demonstrated significantly less tube dislodgement (6.5% vs 32.6%, P < .0001). Bridling resulted in 4 cases of nasal ulceration per 800 tube feeding days, all of which were associated with red rubber catheter bridles. Conversion to 1/8-in umbilical tape bridles eliminated ulceration and further reduced dislodgement from 10% to 4.8%. Implementation of bridling saved an estimated $4038 over 3 months. Conclusions: Nasal bridling is a simple, cost-effective practice that may reduce the rate of nasoenteric tube dislodgement. The use of 1/8-in umbilical tape may be more effective and safer than 8-Fr red rubber catheters for this purpose. (Nutr Clin Pract. 2008; 23: 651-654)