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Feeding Tube Placement for Enteral Feeding

Placement of a feeding tube into the stomach or intestine is a common medical procedure in children with cancer or health conditions. A feeding tube is used for liquid or formula nutrition support for children who are not able to get all the calories and nutrients they need from food.  

How are feeding tubes placed?

Feeding tubes vary in how the tube is placed (through the nose or abdomen) and where the tube ends in the digestive system (stomach or intestine). 

There are 2 main ways feeding tubes are placed for enteral feeding:

1. Through the nose (non-surgical): 

These include NG tubes (nasogastric), ND tubes (nasoduodenal), or NJ tubes (nasojejunal).

Learn about Placement of NG Tube and NJ Tube

2. Through a small opening (stoma) made in the wall of the abdomen: 

Surgically placed feeding tubes include G-tubes (gastrostomy), GJ-tubes (gastro-jejunostomy), and J-tubes (jejunostomy).

Learn about Placement of G-Tube, GJ-Tube, and J-Tube

Each type of feeding tube placement procedure is different. A care team member will explain the details and discuss the risk and benefits of the feeding tube and let you know what to expect. Always follow the instructions given by your care team.  

Featured resources

  • Types of Feeding Tubes and Devices

    A feeding tube is a medical device that connects to the stomach or small intestine to provide nutrition support for children and teens who cannot take food by mouth. Nutrition given by tube feeding is called enteral nutrition.

  • Enteral Nutrition (Tube Feeding)

    Tube feeding, or enteral nutrition, provides nutrition in formula form using a tube placed in the stomach or intestine. Learn about enteral feeding in children.

  • Nasogastric Tube (NG Tube) Care and Use  

    A nasogastric tube (NG tube) can be used for feedings when your child is not able to eat or drink enough by mouth. Learn more about NG tubes care and use.

  • Parenteral Nutrition

    Parenteral nutrition (PN or TPN) is IV nutrition given as a liquid solution through a catheter placed in a vein. Find information on parenteral nutrition.

  • Skin Care for Feeding Tube Sites

    If your child has a feeding tube, such as an NG or G tube, it is important to take care of the skin around the tube. Learn skin care tips for feeding tube sites.

  • How to Give Medicines Through a Feeding Tube

    Your child may get medicines through a feeding tube. Learn how to safely give your child medicines, including what supplies you will need and how to prepare the medicine.

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Reviewed: November 2025