Tube Feeding

Why a feeding tube?

What are the types of feeding tubes?

How is the feeding tube placed?

How do I care for my child's tube?

What if we run into a problem?

Other questions you may have.

Helpful Links.

• Nasogastric tube or NG-tube: This tube is inserted through the nose and feeds into the stomach
• Nasojejunal tube or NJ-tube: This tube is once again inserted in through the nose but it is guided further down past the stomach and into one of the upper parts of the intestine called the jejunum.
• Gastrostomy tube or G-tube: This tube sometimes called a PEG (Percutaneous Endoscope Gastrostomy )tube because that is usually how they are placed. It enters through the abdominal wall and into the stomach.
• Gastrostomy-Jejunostomy or GJ-tube: This tube sometimes called a Transgastric-Jejunal or TJ tube enters in through the stomach like the gastrostomy but it is longer and the end is guided down into the jejunum these tubes are often used when the child needs to be fed into the jejunum but also needs a port into the stomach. With this tube there are two options one for the g-port and a second for the j-port.
• Jejunostomy or J-tube: This tube is placed through the abdominal wall but instead of going into the stomach it goes directly into the jejunum.

Nasal vs. Surgical placement

This is sometimes a hard decision for a parent, they want the best for their child but they also want as few invasive procedures as possible. When thinking about which type of tube placement is best a few factors are taken into consideration and often first is what the parent wants. The anticipated time that the tube will be needed and comfort levels are also factored in. There are pros and cons to both options so this is often a very personal decision. Go over the options with your doctor to find what will be best for you and your child

Gastrostomy tubes

Now there are a variety of tubes that they use in a gastrostomy they vary in style and in how they are held in place. The two main styles are the regular gastrostomy tube which us usually about 6 to 8 inches long outside the body. These have their uses and are often the type of tube that is used during the gastrostomy placement. The other style is the low profile tube often called a button. This tube is only 1/2 inch past skin level so is not noticeable under clothes and is not as likely to get pulled on in an active child. They also have a j-button which is a newer development.

The buttons then hook to extensions for feeding or decompression. When the extension is not present the button has an anti-reflux valve that keeps stomach contents from leaking out.

There are also different ways for the tube to be held in place the most common is a balloon usually inflated with water and sometimes air. The others use a mushroom tip or disk that holds the tube in place. This is usually how when a PEG tube is placed it is held into place. Click on the links to see pictures of each type of tube.