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What Is Orogastric Tube Feeding?

Enteral feeding is a way of supplying patients with needed nutrients via an enteral tube inserted either through the nose—naso-gastric—or through the mouth—oro-gastric. Oro-gastric tubes are often used to supply nutrients to premature babies, infants and very young children.

  1. Oro-gastric Tube

    • Acording to the Merck Manual website on enteral nutrition, an oro-gastric tube is a long, narrow tube inserted through the mouth, which descends down the throat directly into the stomach. Two types of oro-gastric tubing are used: “wide bore” tubes made of PVC for short-term use and “fine bore” tubes made of silicon or polyurethane designated for long-term use (four to six weeks).

    Tube Feeding

    • Soluble liquids, known as feeds, or polymeric formulas according to the Merck website, are fed into the oro-gastric tube once it is properly inserted in the mouth. Some liquids, including medications, may need further dilution, according to the UCL Institute of Child Health.

    Requirements

    • A patient must have a functioning gastrointestinal tract in order to receive nutrients via an oro-gastric tube. Positioning of the tube must be confirmed when inserted; reconfirmed before every feeding; and checked every six hours or once every shift if continuous feeds are required, according to the UCL Institute of Child Health.

    Reasons

    • It is easier to insert an oro-gastric feeding tube than a naso-gastric tube and the tube is more easily tolerated during use, according to the UCL Institute of Child Health. It is also a less traumatic method of feeding for an infant or child.

    Warnings

    • Do not heat oro-gastric feeds before administering them. All feed bottles should be wiped, especially at the top, with an alcohol-based, sterilizing wipe and the tubing monitored for blockage.

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