[Dysphagia] crohn's question

[bklslp at earthlink.net (bklslp)]

Group,
I have a nice little man with 78 year old man with a million risk factors and documented negative outcomes of his dysphagia.  MBS showed aspiration on thin, nectar thick, and risk of aspiration on honey thick and puree.  He has long history of Crohn's disease with a colostomy, weight loss (about 113# currently / IBW 145#).  He has needed pureed diet for at least 2 years due to moderate dementia, oral phase dysphagia, and no teeth / dentures.  He has had pneumonia or URI at least every other month or so this year.  Below normal albumin level, low mobility.  We have tried to reduce every risk factor without much success.  The family is considering the tube feeding as recommended by the MBS.  I think his outcomes would probably be about the same, and have explained this to them, but they are still leaning towards the TF.  My big question is, with the Crohn's and the colostomy, is he even a candidate for a tube feeding?  I can't find any information anywhere, and the NP here doesn't seem to think its a problem.  I just feel like the absorbtion problems would be compounded and he would do very poorly with this set up.  

thanks for your comments.

Brenda