2.7. Intervention
In all patient groups, a 120 cm 12 French gauge (1 French = 0.33 mm) nasally placed small-bowel feeding tube was standardized for use in the institution where the study will be carried out. The length of the tube needed to reach the jejunum will be assessed prior to insertion and measured by placing the nasally placed small-bowel feeding tube from the earlobe to the xiphoid process and then down to the umbilicus (EXU method).