I’ve had a feeding tube for over a year now. As such, I am using this Feeding Tube Awareness Week to cover what I have learnt so far in a 10-part series. This is Part 2.
Here are links to the full series:
- Introduction to Feeding Tube Awareness Week
- History of Feeding Tubes
- The Different Types of Feeding Tubes and How to Place Them
- What Kind of Illnesses Might Need a Feeding Tube?
- How Do I Know If I Need a Feeding Tube and How To Get One?
- What Essential Supplies Do I Need for Tube Feeding?
- How To Make Tube Feeding Easier
- The Ultimate Guide to Showering With a Feeding Tube
- How to Reduce Stigma Around Feeding Tubes
- My Best Tips for Tube Feeding
The History of Feeding Tubes
The history of feeding tubes dates back several centuries, evolving from rudimentary methods to the advanced medical devices used today. To kick off this series, here is a brief overview of the history of feeding tubes:
1. Ancient and Medieval Times:
Historical records suggest that various cultures explored methods of providing nutrition to individuals who were unable to eat orally. In ancient times, methods such as rectal feeding were attempted. However, these practices lacked precision and often resulted in complications.
It was actually common to deliver enteral nutrition via enema up until the 1940s. For example, in 1881, U.S. President James Garfield was shot. Rectal feeds kept him alive for months. He subsisted on egg yolks, beef fat, and whiskey.
2. 17th Century:
The use of nasogastric intubation (inserting a tube through the nose into the stomach) began to gain recognition in the 17th century. However, these early attempts were limited by the lack of understanding of anatomy and huge potential for complications.
It is believed that in 1617, Italian surgeon Girolamo Fabrici d’Acquapendente was the first to propose placing a feeding tube through the nose into the stomach. He proposed this as a method of treating tetanus.
3. 19th Century:
With advances in medical knowledge and technology, nasogastric intubation became more refined. The 19th century saw the development of flexible tubes, allowing for safer and more effective insertion into the stomach.
The first successful jejunostomy was completed in 1858.
And in 1870, Dr. Lycurgus Lafayette Staton became the first American surgeon to perform a successful gastrostomy.
4. 20th Century:
The 20th century marked significant advancements in the design and use of feeding tubes. Surgical procedures for the placement of gastrostomy tubes (directly into the stomach through the abdominal wall) were developed. This provided an alternative for long-term tube feeding.
In 1921, American physician Abraham Louis Levin was credited with inventing the Levin tube, and is considered the father of NG-tubes.
More flexible polyethylene tubing and feeding pumps became available in the 1940s.
5. 1960s-1970s:
The development of balloon-tipped gastrostomy tubes in the 1960s and 1970s improved the stability of the tubes, reducing the risk of dislodgement. This innovation allowed for safer and more secure long-term feeding.
It also wasn’t until the 1970s that nasojejunal tube-feeding started being used in children.
6. 1980s-Present:
The introduction of minimally invasive techniques, such as percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) and percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy (PEJ), further revolutionized the placement of feeding tubes. These procedures reduced the need for open surgery, making tube placement less invasive and decreasing recovery times.
7. Advancements in Tube Design and Materials:
Ongoing research and technological advancements have led to the development of a variety of feeding tube types, materials, and designs to cater to specific patient needs. These include nasoenteric tubes, low-profile gastrostomy devices, and jejunal tubes.
8. Nutritional Formulas:
Alongside the development of feeding tubes, the refinement and expansion of nutritional formulas have played a crucial role in meeting the diverse dietary needs of individuals requiring enteral nutrition. Formulas are now tailored to specific medical conditions, age groups, and nutritional requirements.
Nutritional formulas were first developed in the 1960s for astronauts who required easy, portable nutrition.
9. Community Support and Awareness:
In recent decades, there has been a growing emphasis on raising awareness about the experiences of individuals who use feeding tubes. Feeding Tube Awareness Week, established to promote understanding and support, reflects this ongoing effort.
Overall, the history of feeding tubes demonstrates a progression from basic and sometimes risky methods to the development of sophisticated, minimally invasive techniques and devices. Today, feeding tubes are an integral part of medical care, providing essential nutrition to individuals facing challenges with oral intake.