A feeding tube that’s inserted nasally or orally into the stomach or duodenum allows a patient who can’t or won’t eat to receive nourishment. The feeding tube also permits supplemental feedings in a patient who has very high nutritional requirements, such as an unconscious patient or one with extensive burns. The preferred feeding tube route is nasal, but the oral route may be used for patients with such conditions as a head injury, deviated septum, or other nose injury.

The doctor may order duodenal feeding when the patient can’t tolerate gastric feeding or when he expects gastric feeding to produce aspiration. Absence of bowel sounds or possible intestinal obstruction contraindicates using a feeding tube.

Feeding tubes differ somewhat from standard nasogastric tubes. Made of silicone, rubber, or polyurethane, feeding tubes have small diameters and great flexibility. These features reduce oropharyngeal irritation, necrosis from pressure on the tracheoesophageal wall, distal esophageal irritation, and discomfort from swallowing. To facilitate passage, some feeding tubes are weighted with tungsten, and some need a guide wire to keep them from curling in the back of the throat. These small-bore tubes usually have radiopaque markings and a water-activated coating, which provides a lubricated surface.

Feeding tubes should be removed when the patient no longer needs supplemental feedings.