disorders of nutrition
Tube Feeding
Procedure for Tube Feeding
Where a feeding tube is inserted usually depends on how long tube feeding is needed: For less than 4 to 6 weeks: A thin plastic tube is passed through the nose and down the throat until it reaches the stomach (called a nasogastric tube) or the small intestine (called a nasoduodenal tube). If the nose is damaged, the tube may be inserted through the mouth. For longer than 4 to 6 weeks: The tube is inserted directly into the stomach or small intestine through a small incision in the abdomen. Nasogastric and nasoduodenal tubes can usually be inserted while the person is awake. The tube is lubricated and inserted into the nose and down the throat. A tube can cause gagging when it enters the throat, so the person is asked to swallow or is given water through a straw to help with swallowing. Swallowing can decrease or prevent gagging and help the tube pass down the throat. Once the tube is down the throat and enters the esophagus, it can be easily slid into the stomach or small intestine. Doctors sometimes do tests, such as an x-ray of the abdomen, to make sure the tube is correctly placed. When a feeding tube must be inserted directly into the stomach or small intestine, a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube is often used. Before a PEG tube is inserted, people are given a sedative and sometimes a painkiller, usually intravenously. Also, a numbing spray may be sprayed on the back of their throat to suppress the urge to cough or gag. Then doctors insert an endoscope through the mouth and into the stomach or small intestine. The endoscope has a camera on its tip, enabling doctors to view the interior of the stomach and determine where to place the PEG tube. Doctors then make a small incision in the abdomen and insert the PEG tube. People must fast before the procedure, and eating and drinking are limited after the test is completed until the gag reflex returns. If a PEG tube cannot be placed, a surgical procedure may be used to help doctors place the feeding tube directly into the stomach or small intestine. This procedure may be done in one of the following ways: Using a viewing tube (laparoscope), which requires only a tiny incision just below the navel Making a relatively large incision in the abdomen because doctors need to view the area through the incision so that they can place the tube in the correct place People with feeding tubes should be sitting upright or with the head of the bed elevated during feeding and for 1 to 2 hours afterward. This position reduces the risk that they will inhale the food, and it allows gravity to help move the food through the digestive tract. Typically, a relatively large amount of food (called a bolus) is given several times a day. However, if these feedings cause nausea, small amounts of food are given continuously. 