Where it goes: Through the nose, down the esophagus, into the stomach. Usually for: Short-term feeding (days to weeks).
What you need to feed:
Liquid formula (ready-to-feed or prepared as instructed)
Feeding syringe (for bolus/gravity feed) or feeding bag + pump (for continuous feeds)
Clean water for flushing
pH test strips (sometimes) to confirm placement before feeding
Towel or tissue for drips
Key points:
Check placement before feeding (per facility or doctor’s protocol).
Sit upright at least 30–45° during feeding and for 30–60 min afterward.
Flush with water before and after feeding to keep the tube clear.
2. Nasoduodenal (ND) or Nasojejunal (NJ) Tube
Where it goes: Through the nose into the small intestine (duodenum or jejunum). Usually for: When stomach feeding isn’t possible or safe (e.g., severe reflux, gastroparesis).
What you need to feed:
Pump + feeding bag (gravity or bolus feeding is rarely used for NJ/ND tubes)
Liquid formula (special small-bowel formulas may be needed)
Clean water for flushing
Key points:
Continuous, slow feeds are most common (to avoid cramping/diarrhea).
Upright positioning is essential.
Placement must be confirmed before use.
3. Gastrostomy Tube (G-Tube)
Where it goes: Surgically placed through the abdomen into the stomach. Usually for: Long-term or permanent feeding needs.
What you need to feed:
Liquid formula
Feeding syringe (bolus feeds) or pump + feeding bag (continuous feeds)
Clean water for flushing
Mild soap/water for stoma site care
Key points:
Easier daily use than nasal tubes.
Flush before and after feeds.
Monitor skin around the stoma for redness, drainage, or infection.
4. Gastrojejunostomy Tube (GJ Tube)
Where it goes: One port to the stomach, one to the small intestine. Usually for: People who can’t tolerate stomach feeding but still need access for medications or decompression.
What you need to feed:
For stomach port: bolus or pump
For jejunal port: pump + feeding bag only (continuous feeds)
Water for flushing each port separately
Mild soap/water for site care
Key points:
Always confirm which port you’re using (G or J).
J-port requires slow continuous feeding.
Ports must be flushed individually.
5. Jejunostomy Tube (J-Tube)
Where it goes: Surgically placed through the abdomen into the small intestine. Usually for: Bypassing the stomach entirely.
What you need to feed:
Pump + feeding bag (only continuous feeds—bolus can cause cramping)
