Exploring the current usage of and attitudes towards transanastomotic tube (TAT) feeding in infants born with duodenal atresia: a survey of practice in the UK.

Background: Despite evidence demonstrating clinical and cost benefits of transanastomotic tubes (TATs), following repair of congenital duodenal obstruction they are used in a minority of infants in the UK. Most infants are fed using parenteral nutrition (PN) (sometimes in combination with a TAT). This variation is unexplained by clinical or demographic factors. We aimed to understand why this is and the barriers to practice change.

Methods: UK-based clinicians (surgeons, neonatologists, dietitians and specialist nurses) completed an online mixed methods survey. Open-ended replies were summarised thematically. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: 109 clinicians (24 neonatologists, 7 nurses, 3 dietitians, 75 surgeons) from all 25 UK neonatal surgical units completed the survey. 88% (n=96/109) stated TAT use was decided solely by surgeons, driven primarily by considerations of providing appropriate nutrition and risks; 36% of surgeons felt TATs should always be used where possible. Decisions about central venous catheters (CVCs) were made by neonatologists (28%, n=31/109), surgeons (17%, n=18/109), jointly (48%, n=52/109) or 'other' (7%, n=8/109). Neonatologists and surgeons prioritised providing appropriate nutrition and risks when deciding whether to use CVCs/PN; surgeons rated a lack of supporting research and TATs' risks as key barriers to TAT usage. Costs and parents' preferences had limited influence on TAT and PN usage.

Conclusions: Increased TAT usage requires surgeons to be persuaded of TATs' efficacy and safety, and neonatologist recognition that exclusive TAT feeding (ie, without CVCs/PN) can provide adequate nutrition. Further work is required to appreciate how best to achieve this.