What is the purpose of radiographic verification with contrast medium during jejunostomy tube placement?

• A. Confirm placement
• B. Assess gut motility
• C. Evaluate mucosal integrity
• D. Check for infection

Answer: (A)

Radiographic verification with contrast is used to confirm that the jejunostomy tube is correctly positioned within the small bowel. By injecting contrast through the tube and taking abdominal imaging, you can visualize the tract from the stoma into the jejunum and verify that the tube tip lies in the jejunal lumen and not in the stomach, colon, or outside the gut. This ensures that feeding, if started, will be delivered into the intended segment and reduces risks such as aspiration or peritoneal leakage.

This imaging step isn’t about assessing gut motility, mucosal integrity, or infection. Those require other evaluations; radiographic contrast through the tube is focused on placing the tube accurately and confirming patency of the tract.