Description

A feeding tube is a medical device used to deliver nutrition, fluids, and medication directly into the stomach or small intestine when oral intake is impossible or unsafe. Common types include nasogastric (NG/NJ) tubes for short-term use and gastrostomy (G-tube) or gastrojejunostomy (GJ-tube) for long-term needs. They are used for chronic conditions, swallowing disorders, or cancer treatment and can be temporary or permanent. 

• Reasons for Needing a Feeding Tube:
  • Inability to swallow or consume adequate nutrition orally.
  • Neurological disorders (e.g., ALS, stroke).
  • Cancer of the head, neck, or esophagus.
  • Severe, temporary conditions where the digestive system needs rest.
• How a Feeding Tube Works:
  • Liquid formula is delivered via a syringe, gravity bag, or pump to manage the rate of feeding.
  • G-tubes are often low-profile (small and, in some cases, flush with the skin) for comfort.
  • Blended “real food” (blenderized diet) can sometimes be used in place of formula with medical guidance.
• How to Care for a Feeding Tube:
  • The skin around the stoma (insertion site) must be kept clean and dry to prevent infection.
  • Tubes should be flushed with water before and after medication or feeding to prevent clogging.
  • Regularly checking the tube’s position and the balloon inflation (if applicable) is crucial.

Feeding Tube Transparent Feeding Tube Sterile, allows for easy observation of fluids, Mates with standard luer-tip syringes.