A feeding tube is a flexible, small lumen, hollow tube that is inserted into the stomach. The duration of time that the tube is in place is dependent upon the patient's needs. A feeding tube is recommended when a patient is unable to receive sufficient nutrition orally. Whether inserted through the nose, a nasogastric tube, or surgically inserted into the stomach, a gastrostomy tube, this is an invasive procedure. All invasive procedures have risk factors.
Risks Associated with a Nasogastric Tube
A nasogastric (NG) tube is recommended for short term use and is generally used in a skilled nursing care environment, such as a hospital or extended care facility. The tube is inserted through the nose and skillfully passed into the stomach.
One risk of an NG tube is a pneumothorax, a rupture or puncture of the thin membrane lining the chest wall and lungs. This occurs if the tube accidentally enters the larynx and trachea. Coiling of the tube in the throat is a potential risk. Parotitis, which occurs when oral bacteria enters the parotid duct and causes an infection in the parotid gland; a retropharyngeal abscess resulting from the perforation of a sinus; sinusitis, which occurs from damage to the ciliary epithelium; and acid reflux are possible risks resulting from the NG tube being in place. The risk of aspiration pneumonitis, inflammation of the air sacs, can result and is caused by the reflux of stomach content. The most serious risk is severe sepsis, which is fatal. Sepsis, the presence of microorganisms in tissue, is caused by incorrect placement of the NG tube in the bronchial tree.
Risks Associated with a Gastrostomy Tube
A gastrostomy tube is surgically inserted into the stomach. During this surgical procedure, the patient receives general anesthesia. The risks associated with this procedure include a possible reaction to anesthesia, bleeding, accidental injury to the colon or other abdominal organs and postoperative infection around the tube insertion site.
A percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube is inserted using an endoscope as a guiding tool. A guide wire is used to pass the tube from the mouth into the stomach. The physician secures one end of the tube in the stomach and exits the other end through the abdominal wall. During this procedure, the patient receives sedation. The risks associated with a PEG are reaction to sedation, bleeding and postoperative infection around the tube insertion site.
Common Problems
According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, there is a 1 percent chance of the occurrence of major problems such as gastric hemorrhage and an 8 percent chance of minor problems such as infection, a leak at the surgical site, migration of the tube, aspiration and fistula formation. Aspiration is the most common risk. This happens when food is inhaled into the lungs.
