Chyme reinfusion in children undergoing temporary gastrostomy with a double enterostomy: A case report

Chyme reinfusion is an enteral nutrition technique that allows for the re‑establishment of gastrointestinal continuity by reinfusing the chyme from the afferent to the efferent small bowel through an extracorporeal artificial tract. This leads to the improved intestinal absorption of the chime, thus preventing water loss, disruptions in electrolyte balance, malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. This feeding method also minimizes the high costs and multiple complications related to conventional parenteral nutrition until the surgical re‑establishment of intestinal continuity (SRIC). The aim of the present case report was to present an effective treatment approach, digestive fluid reinfusion, applied in a pediatric patient who underwent bowel resection due to midgut volvulus. The present study reports the case of a 2‑month old male infant with a diagnosis of midgut volvulus who underwent surgery for resection of the necrotic bowel segment and closing of the duodenojejunal stump, namely a gastrostomy, and to bring the lower bowel segment out to establish an artificial anus. Pending for the SRIC, chyme reinfusion was applied in conjunction with the parenteral nutrition. Following 8 weeks of treatment, the nutritional status had improved and the patient underwent a successful SRIC. On the whole, in patients with temporary double enterostomy pending for SRIC, chyme reinfusion is an efficient and effective method which can be used to initiate early enteral feeding and reduce the need for parenteral nutrition.