February 5-9, 2024 is Feeding Tube Awareness Week.
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 3.
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
What is a Feeding Tube and Different Types of Feeding Tubes
A feeding tube is a medical device that provides a way to deliver nutrition directly to the stomach or small intestine when a person is unable to consume food orally. This can be due to various medical conditions, surgeries, or other factors that impede the normal process of eating and digestion. Feeding tubes play a crucial role in ensuring that individuals receive the necessary nutrients to maintain proper nutrition and overall health.
Types of Feeding Tubes:
There are several types of feeding tubes, each designed to suit different medical needs and conditions. Feeding tubes can be inserted via the mouth or nose, or surgically placed through the abdomen. They can deliver nutrition to the stomach or directly to the small bowel (also called the jejunum).
Some of the most common types include:
1. Nasogastric Tubes (NG tubes):
- Inserted through the nose and down the throat into the stomach.
- Nasogastric tubes are usually the first kind of feeding tube you’ll get because they are relatively easy to place and remove (compared to surgery)
- Typically used for short-term nutritional support. While they are usually only used for 3-6 months, I do know some people who have had these ones for years.
2. Gastrostomy Tubes (G-tubes):
- Surgically inserted through the abdominal wall directly into the stomach.
- Suitable for long-term use and often used when individuals are unable to tolerate oral feeding.
3. Jejunostomy Tubes (J-tubes):
- Placed in the jejunum (part of the small intestine).
- Used when feeding directly into the stomach is not feasible or advisable.
- This is the kind of feeding tube that I have as my stomach does not work. Instead, my nutritional formula bypasses my stomach and goes directly into my small intestine.
4. Nasoenteric Tubes:
- Similar to nasogastric tubes but extend further into the small intestine.
- Used when there’s a need to bypass the stomach for specific medical reasons.
The choice of the type of feeding tube depends on factors such as the individual’s medical condition, the expected duration of tube feeding, and the overall treatment plan.
The process of receiving a feeding tube involves the insertion of the tube through a specific route, either through the nose or mouth for nasogastric tubes, or through a surgical or endoscopic procedure for gastrostomy or jejunostomy tubes.
The first tube I got was a nasojejunal tube (NJ tube), going through my nose into my small intestine. Once it became clear that I needed a long-term solution, I had a PEG-J tube placed directly through my abdominal wall into my small intestine.
Placement of Feeding Tubes:
Feeding tubes can be placed through different methods, such as endoscopic procedures or surgical interventions. The choice of placement method is determined by the medical team based on the patient’s specific requirements and health status.
Feeding tubes are placed using different methods based on the patient’s condition and medical team preferences:
- Endoscopic Procedures: Tubes may be placed through the mouth or nose with the assistance of an endoscope, a flexible tube with a light and camera.
- Surgical Interventions: In some cases, especially for G-tubes and J-tubes, a surgeon will make a small incision in the abdomen to directly insert the feeding tube.
The choice of placement method is determined by the healthcare team, taking into account factors such as the patient’s overall health and specific medical needs.
Feeding tubes are a vital tool in medical nutrition, ensuring that individuals with various health challenges receive the essential nutrients required for their well-being. The use of feeding tubes is always guided by healthcare professionals based on a thorough assessment of the individual’s medical condition and nutritional needs.