Feeding tubes provide nutrition to patients who can not eat normally. This includes patients suffering from burns, liver failure, and neck or head injuries, or patients who are comatose, according to Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. There are several types of feeding tubes available to meet the individual needs of the patient. The gastrointestinal tract must be functioning, however, to use this kind of apparatus.
Nasogastric Tube
A nasograstric, or NG, tube runs from the nose to the stomach. The NG tube is an option if tube feeding is required for less than six weeks, according to “The Washington Manual of Medical Therapeutics.” Some people are still able to eat normally after an NG tube has been inserted. In these instances, the tube serves to supplement their nutritional needs.
Nasoduodenal Tube
The nasoduodenal tube extends from the nose to the duodenum—the first part of the small intestines. Like the NG tube, the nasoduodenal tube is an option if tube feeding is needed for less than six weeks. Food normally passes from the stomach to the small intestines. The nasoduodenal tube bypasses the stomach and delivers the food to the small intestines. People may need this type of feeding tube if food is taking longer than normal to empty from the stomach, according to “The Washington Manual of Medical Therapeutics.”
Nasojejunal Tube
The nasojejunal tube runs from the nose to the jejunum—the second part of the small intestines. People may receive this type of tube if they require tube feeding for less than six weeks and food is taking too long to empty from the stomach.
Jejunostomy Tube
A jejunostomy tube is inserted through an opening that is made in the abdomen and threaded to the jejunum. People may have this type if tube feeding is needed for longer than six weeks and the stomach is taking too long to empty itself of food, according to “Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine.”
Gastrostomy Tube
A gastrostomy tube runs from the skin into the stomach. A physician makes an opening in the stomach for the tube. “Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine” explains that this type of feeding tube is for people who need tube feeding for more than six weeks, have small intestines that do not absorb well and who experience problems swallowing.
Gastrojejunostomy Tube
A gastrojejunostomy tube runs from an opening in the skin to the stomach and jejunum. The stomach portion of the tube decreases the pressure inside the stomach, while the jejunum portion of the tube delivers the food. This type of feeding tube is for people with delayed stomach emptying and who are at risk for aspirating food into the lungs. Some people with pancreatitis require this tube as well due to associated digestive problems.
References
- “Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine”; Anthony Fauci, M.D., Dennis Kasper, M.D., Dan Longo, M.D. et al.; 2008
- Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: Enteral Tube Nutrition
- “The Washington Manual of Medical Therapeutics”; Gopa Green, M.D., Ian Harris, M.D., Grace Lin, M.D., Kyle Moylan, M.D.; 2004
