Feeding Tubes: Types, Uses & What to Expect

A feeding tube is an alternative way to provide nutrition and medication when a patient is unable to eat or swallow. A feeding tube placement must be ordered by a physician.

Types

• There are various types of feeding tubes, based on the purpose and placement of the tube, such as a nasogastric tube, Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) or jejunostomy tube (J-tube).

Nasogastric Tube

• A nasogastric tube is passed via the nostril, pharynx, esophagus and into the stomach as a short-term placement for feeding.

PEG Tube

• A PEG tube is surgically placed below and left of the rib cage through the abdominal wall into the stomach. This is used for long-term or permanent tube feeding.

Jejunostomy Tube

• This tube is surgically placed below the stomach to bypass it and go directly into the jejunum for permanent tube feeding.

Benefits

• Feeding tubes benefit patients with cancer of the oral cavity or the stomach, severe dehydration and those with potential for choking, suffocation and aspiration. They extend lives.