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Together is a new resource for anyone affected by pediatric cancer - patients and their parents, family members, and friends.
Learn MoreDuring cancer treatment and recovery, patients may not be able to get all the calories and nutrients they need by mouth. Tube feeding, or enteral nutrition, provides nutrition in liquid or formula form through a tube placed into the stomach or intestine. Some medicines may also be given through the feeding tube.
There are generally two ways feeding tubes are placed:
The most common feeding tubes include nasogastric tubes (NG tubes) and gastrostomy tubes (G tubes). However, there are several types of feeding tubes based on how and where they are placed in the digestive system.
Sometimes a patient is simply not able to take in enough calories or protein by mouth. This is no one’s fault. It is important to help children understand that nutrition support is not a punishment. Most children adapt well to having a feeding tube. It is important to keep the child from touching or pulling on the tube. Follow instructions for skin care around the tube site to prevent irritation or infection.
A nasogastric tube is inserted into the stomach or small intestine through the nose and down the throat.
A feeding tube connects to the stomach or small intestine. The location will depend on the patient’s ability to tolerate the formula and digest nutrients. If possible, the tube is placed in the stomach for more normal digestion.
There are 5 types of feeding tubes:
A G tube, or gastrostomy tube is a type of feeding tube used for enteral nutrition.
The G tube is inserted through the abdominal wall into the stomach. On the outside of the body, patients have a long tube or a button tube.
For children with cancer, feeding tubes are often used to supplement what the patient can eat by mouth.
Children may go home with a feeding tube. The care team will make sure that families know how to give feedings and care for the feeding tube.
Nasal feeding tubes, including NG and NJ tubes, are generally used when tube feeding is needed for a relatively short time, usually less than 6 weeks. The tube extends out from one nostril and is secured to the skin using medical tape. NG and NJ tubes have several advantages including lower risk of infection and ease of placement. However, the tube must be taped to the face, and this may bother some children. Other children may have problems with nasal tubes because of irritation of the skin and mucous membranes due to chemotherapy.
Surgically placed tubes (G tube, J tube, GJ tube) are used for a longer time or if a child is not able to have a nasal tube. The opening on the abdomen where the tube is placed is called a stoma. On the outside of the body, patients have a long tube or a “button” or low-profile tube. Once healed, the stoma should not be painful, and children should be able to do most regular activities.
The stoma should not be painful once healed. Children should be able to do most regular activities.
The most common side effects of tube feeding are nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, constipation, and bloating.
Other possible side effects may include:
Most side effects can be prevented by following instructions for care and feeding.
A registered dietitian or nutritionist makes sure that a child’s specific nutrition needs are met. For pediatric cancer patients, a feeding tube is often used to supplement what the child is able to eat by mouth. Other patients may get all nutrients from a feeding tube.
A formula will be prescribed that considers:
Many patients can be fed with standard formulas. For infants, breast milk is often preferred. Other children need special formulas for medical conditions such as allergies, diabetes, or digestive problems.
It is important for families to work closely with their nutrition professional. Nutrition needs may change based on health factors and side effects such as vomiting or diarrhea.
There are 3 main ways to give tube feedings: bolus feeding, continuous feeding, and gravity feeding.
Bolus feeding – In bolus feeding, large doses of formula are given several times a day through the feeding tube. This is most similar to a normal eating routine.
Continuous feeding – In continuous feeding, an electronic pump is used to give small amounts of formula over a period of hours. Some children may need continuous feeds to help reduce nausea and vomiting.
Gravity feeding – In gravity feeding, a feeding bag is placed on an IV pole, and a set amount of formula drips through the tube at a slow rate. The amount of time varies by patient.
Children may go home with a feeding tube. The care team will make sure that families know how to give feedings and care for the feeding tube. Families should watch for problems such as:
Equipment and supplies that families may need include:
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Reviewed: November 2018