Gastric feeding tube

Gastric feeding tube is a medical device used to provide nutrition to patients who cannot eat by themselves. The tube is usually placed through the nose or mouth and into the stomach.

Indications

Gastric feeding tubes are used in patients who have difficulty swallowing or maintaining adequate nutrition. This can be due to conditions such as stroke, cancer, dementia, or neurological disorders.

Types

There are several types of gastric feeding tubes, including:

• Nasogastric tube (NG tube): This tube is inserted through the nose, down the esophagus, and into the stomach.
• Orogastric tube (OG tube): This tube is inserted through the mouth and into the stomach.
• Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG tube): This tube is inserted directly into the stomach through the abdominal wall.

Procedure

The procedure for inserting a gastric feeding tube depends on the type of tube being used. For NG and OG tubes, the procedure can usually be done at the bedside without anesthesia. For PEG tubes, the procedure is usually done under sedation or general anesthesia.

Risks

As with any medical procedure, there are risks associated with gastric feeding tubes. These can include infection, bleeding, and accidental dislodgement of the tube.

Aftercare

After a gastric feeding tube is placed, the patient will need regular follow-up care to ensure the tube is functioning properly and to manage any complications.

See also

• Enteral nutrition
• Parenteral nutrition

Gastric feeding tube Resources
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