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What is a Feeding Tube?

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.

  1. 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.

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