Types of Feeding Tubes and Devices

What is a feeding tube?

A feeding tube is a medical device that helps provide nutrition support (enteral nutrition) for patients who are not able to swallow or who can’t get all the nutrients or fluids they need by mouth. Some medicines can also be given through a feeding tube. 

Your child might need a feeding tube if they have trouble: 

• Sucking or swallowing normally 
• Gaining or maintaining weight 
• Taking medicine by mouth 
• Getting enough fluids  

A feeding tube goes into the stomach or intestine. Part of the tube stays outside the body and has 1 or more openings (ports). Liquid nutrition or formula, called enteral nutrition, is given through the tube.  

There are 2 main types of feeding tubes based on how they are placed:  

• Nasal (nose): These tubes enter through the nose, go down the throat and esophagus, and into the stomach or intestine.   
• Stomach or small intestine: These tubes require surgery. Surgeons place them through a small cut (incision) into the belly (abdomen).  

Your care team will talk with you about what type of tube is best for your child.  

This decision depends on:  

• Your child’s age, size, and medical needs 
• Your child’s activity level 
• How well your child’s digestive system works 
• How long your child will need nutrition support 
• How often the feeding tube will be used 
• How much care the feeding tube needs 
• Risk of infection and other problems 

Find more information about tube feeding (enteral nutrition). 

Nasal feeding tubes

Nasal tubes include nasogastric (NG) tubes, nasoduodenal (ND) tubes, and nasojejunal (NJ) tubes. These are generally used when patients need tube feedings for a short time. Nasal feeding tubes are placed by passing the tube through the nose, down the throat, through the esophagus, and into the stomach or intestine. The tube is long and flexible. It extends from one nostril. It is kept in place with medical tape.  

Nasal feeding tubes include:  

• Nasogastric tube (NG tube): This tube goes into the stomach. It is the most common type of nasal feeding tube. 
• Nasoduodenal tube (ND tube): This tube goes to the first part of the small intestine, called the duodenum. Patients get this type of tube if their stomach cannot handle liquid nutrition.  
• Nasojejunal tube (NJ tube): This tube goes to the middle of the small intestine, called the jejunum. Patients get this type of tube if they need nutrition given farther down the digestive tract. This placement can help patients tolerate liquid nutrition better.   

Find information on NG tube care and use.

Surgically placed feeding tubes 

Surgically placed tubes include gastrostomy (G) tubes, gastrojejunal (GJ) tubes, and jejunostomy (J) tubes. Patients get these tubes if they need liquid nutrition for a longer time or cannot have a nasal tube. They are placed through an opening on the abdomen called a stoma. On the outside of the body, patients have a long tube or a low-profile (button) tube.  

Gastrostomy tube (G-tube)

This tube goes through the skin directly into the stomach. The G-tube is held in place by a balloon filled with sterile water on the inside of the stomach. This keeps it from sliding out. A small disc rests on your child’s belly to hold the tube steady. G-tubes have different openings (ports). Some ports are used for feedings and medicines. A balloon port is used to fill or empty the balloon. 

Gastrojejunal tube (GJ-tube) 

A GJ-tube is inserted into the stomach like a G-tube, but the tube extends through the stomach to the small intestine. Your child may need this type of tube if their stomach does not empty normally or if food or water leaks from the stomach back into the throat or esophagus. 

The GJ-tube has 3 openings (ports): 

• Gastric port: The port goes into the stomach. It can be used to give fluids and medicines and remove extra fluid or air from the stomach.  
• Jejunal port: This port goes to the jejunum and is used to give feedings.  
• Balloon port: This port is used to put water in a balloon that keeps the tube in place.   

Jejunostomy tube (J-tube)

A J-tube is placed through the abdomen directly into the small intestine (jejunum). Your child may need this tube if their stomach cannot be used for feeding. Feedings, fluids, and some medicines can be given through the port on the J-tube. 

Read more about gastrostomy and placement of G-tubes, GJ-tubes, and J-tubes.

Possible risks of a feeding tube 

Problems after getting a feeding tube may include: 

• Infection or irritation where the tube is located 
• Tube moving out of position or coming out 

Some patients may have side effects from tube feeding. These include: 

• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach cramps 
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Bloating 

You can prevent most problems by following instructions for care and feeding. A care team member will go over feeding tube care and instructions. Keep a list of questions and write down information to make it easier to remember. 

Be sure to keep your child from touching or pulling on the tube. 

Take care of the skin around the tube site to prevent irritation or infection. 

Living with a feeding tube

Most children adapt well to having a feeding tube. A feeding tube can stay in place for months to years, as long as nutrition support is needed. Many children can eat by mouth with a feeding tube in place. If infection or other problems occur, the tube will be removed and replaced as needed. 

It is important to help your child understand that tube feeding is not a punishment. Sometimes a patient is simply not able to get enough nutrition by mouth. This is no one’s fault.  

Ways to support your child include: 

• Make sure your child understands that a feeding tube helps provide nutrition to stay healthy. Explain that there are different ways people can get nutrition. The feeding tube is one of those ways. When you get enough nutrition, it helps you feel better and have more energy. Some children may blame themselves. They may think that they had to get a feeding tube because they did not try hard enough or did something wrong.  
• Explain that the feeding tube is not permanent. Your child will have it as long as they need it to get nutrition. Some patients might still be able to eat with the feeding tube in place.  
• If your child is old enough, involve your child in caring for the feeding tube. For example, you can explain why it is important to keep the feeding tube clean and let your child assist in cleaning the feeding tube. This can help children be more comfortable with the feeding tube and understand why it is needed. 

Questions to ask about feeding tubes

• Which type of feeding tube is best for my child and why? 
• How is the feeding tube placed? 
• What are the risks of this type of feeding tube? 
• How do I care for the tube at home, and what supplies will I need? 
• How will feedings and medicines be given through this tube? 
• What signs should I watch for that mean I need to call the care team? 
• How long will my child need a feeding tube? 
• Can my child eat and drink with the feeding tube?

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