A decompressing and feeding device for safely feeding in the gastrointestinal
tract
of a recovering patient continuously aspirates and feeds at a rate commensurate
with the ability of the intestines to absorb fluids including nutrient. Air is
also aspirated in the process so that neither air nor excess fluids cause distension
in the gastrointestinal tract. Digestive juices and nutrients that are aspirated
are continuously refed together with unused feeding material into the gastrointestinal
tract at a location that more efficiently moves and digests the food. The device
may include two aspirate reservoirs to which and from which aspirate is alternatingly
and continuously transferred. To provide the continuous and alternating flow, a
solenoid valve and timer switch device is provided. Alternatively, a device is
provided with a single aspirate reservoir to which and from which aspirate is continuously transferred.