by Feeding tubes are medical devices that are inserted through the nose, mouth or skin directly into the stomach, duodenum or jejunum.
They are used to provide nutrition, fluids and/or medication to patients who cannot consume them orally or need supplemental nutrition. There are different types of Feeding Tubes used globally depending on the condition and needs of the patient.
Nasoenteric Feeding Tubes
Nasoenteric tubes are inserted through the nose and down through the esophagus into the stomach or small intestine. Nasogastric (NG) tubes pass through the nose and into the stomach. These are commonly used short term for patients who are unable to eat for a limited time, such as after surgeries. Nasojejunal (NJ) tubes are inserted through the nose but pass through the stomach and into the jejunum, the upper part of the small intestine. NJ tubes are preferred over NG tubes in patients who have higher risk of stomach irritation or those who need to bypass the stomach.
Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Feeding Tubes
Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tubes are inserted through an incision in the abdomen directly into the stomach wall during an endoscopy procedure. A hollow tube called a PEG tube is left in place to provide long term access for nutrition and medication delivery directly into the stomach. PEG tubes are commonly used for patients who need feeding support for an extended period of time, such as those with neurological conditions that affect swallowing or cancer diagnoses.
Surgical Gastrostomy and Jejunostomy Tubes
Some feeding tubes require surgical placement through an opening in the abdominal wall. Gastrostomies involve surgically creating an opening directly into the stomach and securing the feeding tube. Jejunostomies follow a similar process but insert the tube into a portion of the jejunum instead of the stomach. These surgical feeding tubes are often recommended for patients who are not candidates for endoscopic procedures due to other medical conditions. They provide long term access but require a larger incision for placement compared to percutaneously placed tubes.
Portable Enteral Pumps and Supplies
Once feeding tubes are inserted, portable enteral nutrition pumps are often used to help deliver balanced nutrient formulas and medications directly through the tubes. These pumps are programmed to administer precise amounts of feeding solution at specific rates over a time period, usually during nighttime sleep. Most common pump systems have disposable cassettes, tubing sets and syringes to maintain sterility between uses. Regular supplies like extension sets and caps also ensure proper tube care and access. Many global suppliers manufacture pumps, formulas and accessories to meet the needs of enteral feeding patients worldwide.
International Standards and Practices
The International Organization for Standardization has published guidelines to promote safe practices around enteral feeding tubes and equipment used globally. Topics covered in the standards include general requirements, connectors, administration sets, giving sets and enteral syringes. In the United States, regulatory bodies like the Food and Drug Administration provide oversight of tube system safety, effectiveness and manufacturing quality. Professional medical societies also publish consensus standards to guide clinicians in appropriate care, such as evidence-based guidelines for initial access method selection and ongoing tube maintenance from gastroenterology groups. While practices may vary slightly between countries, international cooperation has helped harmonize quality and safety standards for enteral nutrition support worldwide.
Feeding tubes are a vital form of medical support used globally to provide nutrition and liquid intake to patients who cannot consume them orally. Advances in enteral access technology, portable feeding pumps and standardization efforts continue to improve management of enteral nutrition needs internationally. As medical conditions and populations age worldwide, demand for quality enteral nutrition support will likely grow. Cooperation on safety, reliability and care practices helps expand access to life-sustaining enteral therapy for those who require it globally.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
About Author - Money Singh
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemicals and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. LinkedIn Profile
