Feeding Tubes: Types, Placement Methods, Duration, and Care

A feeding tube delivers nutrition directly to the GI tract when oral intake is insufficient or unsafe.

Types by Placement Route

• Nasogastric (NG): Nose → stomach. Short-term (days–weeks). Non-surgical.
• Orogastric (OG): Mouth → stomach. Short-term; used in intubated patients.
• Nasojejunal (NJ): Nose → jejunum. For gastric dysmotility/aspiration risk.
• Gastrostomy (G-tube, PEG): Abdominal wall → stomach. Long-term (months–years). Endoscopic/surgical placement.
• Jejunostomy (J-tube, PEJ): Abdominal wall → jejunum. Long-term; for gastric intolerance.
• Gastrojejunostomy (GJ-tube): Dual ports — gastric decompression + jejunal feeding.

Duration and Permanence

• Short-term: NG/OG/NJ — removed when oral intake resumes.
• Long-term: G/J-tubes — can remain years; replaced if clogged, dislodged, or buried bumper syndrome.
• Not inherently permanent — removed when no longer needed.

Daily Care Essentials

• Clean site daily with soap/water; keep dry.
• Check for infection: redness, swelling, purulent drainage, pain.
• Flush with 30–60 mL water before/after feeds and meds.
• Verify placement (aspirate pH, external length) per protocol.
• Rotate G-tube daily to prevent buried bumper.
• Follow formula type, rate, and volume prescribed.

Tube feeding requires training. Home care nurses and dietitians provide essential support.