Feeding Tube
A feeding tube is a medical device used to provide nutrition to individuals who cannot eat by mouth. It is inserted into the stomach or small intestine through the nose, mouth, or directly through the abdominal wall. Feeding tubes are often used for patients with conditions such as stroke, cancer, or neurological disorders that impair swallowing or digestion.
There are different types of feeding tubes, including nasogastric tubes (NG tubes) and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tubes. These tubes allow for the delivery of liquid nutrition, medications, and fluids directly into the digestive system. Proper care and maintenance of feeding tubes are essential to prevent complications such as infections or blockages.