Understanding Tube Feeding

Using a feeding tube can be overwhelming. We're here to help.

To meet your nutritional needs, your doctor may have prescribed home enteral nutrition - commonly known as home tube feeding. “Tube feeding” means that a liquid, nutrient-rich formula flows gently through a tube into your stomach or intestine.

Tube feeding formulas are very important when you are not able to eat or digest food normally. Just like regular food, your tube- feeding formula will provide calories and essential nutrients, such as protein, carbohydrates, fat, and vitamins and minerals, to help you maintain sufficient nutrition.

Common Types of Feeding Tubes

There are several different locations where a feeding tube may be placed. Each of these locations allows the nutrients in the formula to be used by your body just as if you were eating a regular meal.

NJ-tube (nasojenjunal)

This feeding tube passes through the nose, throat and esophagus, continues through the stomach, and ends in the second section of your small intestine.

J-Tube (jejunostomy)

This tube is inserted through the abdominal wall directly into the jejunum, which is the second section of your small intestine.

NG-tube (nasogastric)

This feeding tube passes through the nose, throat and esophagus and ends in your stomach.

G-tube (gastrostomy tube)

This feeding tube is inserted through the abdominal wall directly into your stomach.

NJ-tube (nasojenjunal)

This feeding tube passes through the nose, throat and esophagus, continues through the stomach, and ends in the second section of your small intestine.

J-Tube (jejunostomy)

This tube is inserted through the abdominal wall directly into the jejunum, which is the second section of your small intestine.

NG-tube (nasogastric)

This feeding tube passes through the nose, throat and esophagus and ends in your stomach.

G-tube (gastrostomy tube)

This feeding tube is inserted through the abdominal wall directly into your stomach.

3 Methods of Administering Tube-Feeding Formula

Bolus Feeding

A syringe is typically used to deliver a controlled amount of formula through your feeding tube within a short period of time several times a day.

Continuous or Intermittent Feeding

A set amount of formula is delivered, typically with a feeding pump, over a predetermined time (throughout the day and/or night).

Gravity Feeding

Formula flows out of a bag and into your tube by gravity. This method is slower than feeding with a syringe and uses a roller clamp on the bag’s tubing to control the rate.