Overview

A feeding tube is a medical tube used to deliver nutrition, fluids and medications directly into the stomach or small intestine when oral intake is unsafe or insufficient. Feeding tubes support hydration and caloric needs in people with swallowing problems, prolonged unconsciousness, severe illness, or conditions that impair digestion or appetite. When the digestive tract works but the mouth cannot be used, enteral feeding via a tube is usually preferred over intravenous nutrition.

Types and common approaches

Feeding tubes differ by route and intended duration. Common types include:

  • Nasoenteric tubes (inserted through the nose into the stomach or small intestine) for short-term use.
  • Gastric tubes (placed directly into the stomach through the abdominal wall) for longer-term feeding.
  • Jejunal tubes (ending in the small intestine) when stomach feeding is not tolerated.

When they are used

Indications include difficulty swallowing after stroke, advanced neurological disease, head and neck surgery or cancer, critical illness with prolonged ventilation, and conditions causing severe weight loss or malnutrition. Feeding tubes are also an option when oral intake cannot meet energy needs. Decisions are individualized and consider prognosis, goals of care and patient preferences.

Placement, formulas and care

Tubes are placed by clinicians using bedside techniques, radiology or endoscopy depending on type. Nutrition is provided as liquid formulas designed for tube feeding, given continuously by pump or intermittently (bolus). Routine care includes regular flushing to prevent blockage, proper positioning for each feed to reduce aspiration risk, skin care at the insertion site, and monitoring for tolerance and nutritional adequacy. Family members and caregivers often receive training in safe handling.

Complications and distinctions

Possible problems include tube displacement, blockage, local infection, aspiration pneumonia, diarrhea and metabolic disturbances. Enteral feeding is distinct from parenteral nutrition, which delivers nutrients intravenously when the gut cannot be used. Risks and benefits must be weighed, and protocols exist to minimize complications.

History and further information

Use of tubes to provide nutrition has evolved from early surgical techniques to modern bedside and endoscopic methods that made long-term enteral feeding safer and more widely available in the late 20th century. For practical guidance, safety checklists and training materials are available from clinical resources: see feeding tube care resources and professional guidelines at clinical guidance pages.