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Enteral feeding is a means of supplying nutrition, water, and medication to a patient who is unable to take in food directly through the mouth or unable to swallow. Enteral nutrition intake could be required by adults or children depending on what conditions affect the individual. It involves being fed by a feeding tube, which is a medical device designed for enteral feeding. The tube may be inserted through the nostrils and into the stomach or directly inserted through the abdomen and into the stomach through a surgically-created or non-surgical opening. At HPFY, we have a wide variety of feeding tubes for sale, delivering nutrition through enteral feeding.
Different types of feeding tubes are inserted into the stomach through the nose; these include nasogastric, nasoduodenal, or nasojejunal tubes. Those tubes placed directly into the abdomen are referred to as gastrostomy, gastrojejunostomy, or jejunostomy tubes.
A Nasogastric tube, or NG-tube, is an enteral feeding tube that is inserted through the nares or nostrils down the esophagus and into the stomach. Nasogastric feeding is usually short-term and, therefore, non-invasive and does not require surgery.
A nasojejunal feeding tube, or NJ tube, is inserted through the nostrils and threaded through the stomach and into the jejunum, which is the central part of the small intestine. A nasoduodenal tube, or ND-tube, is placed through the nose and into the first part of the small intestine or duodenum.
We also have a Kangaroo tube, which is intended for enteral feeding to deliver enteral nutrition, liquid, or medication from an enteral syringe or feeding set designed with a connector for enteral applications.
A gastrostomy tube, or G-tube, is for those who need long-term tube feeding procedures. The G-tube is inserted through an opening in the abdomen. A surgery or laparoscopy may be done to insert the feeding tube. There are three basic types of gastrostomy tubes – PEG or percutaneous endoscopic tube, standard gastrostomy tube, and low-profile gastrostomy tube.
PEG, or percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, is a tube-feeding procedure in which the enteral tube is placed into the stomach endoscopically and retained either by a balloon or a retention dome. This enteral feeding tube placement takes about 20 minutes. It involves inserting a needle through the abdomen and passing a suture through the needle, which is then pulled up through the esophagus by the endoscope. The PEG tube, which is still outside the body, is then tied to the suture and pulled back through the esophagus, into the stomach, and out through the abdomen. The PEG tube allows fluid, medication, and nutrition to be delivered directly into the stomach of the patient without needing to go through the mouth and esophagus. Generally, this tube feeding procedure involves keeping the enteral feeding tube in the stomach for about three months.
Standard gastrostomy tubes, also known as buttons, are available in both balloon and non-balloon tube types. Enteral feeding tube placement involves the insertion of the tube into the patient surgically or through a laparoscopy.
Low-profile gastrostomy tubes (like Mic Key Low Profile Gastrostomy Feeding Tube) are less bulky and less visible under regular clothing, and therefore, they are referred to as low-profile. These enteral feeding tubes are available with balloons and non-balloons. Tubes with a balloon have water-filled balloons that hold the tube in place inside the body. Non-balloon tubes have a soft plastic bolster at the tip, which holds the tube in place.
Low-profile gastrostomy tubes have to be inserted by a doctor initially but can be changed at home by oneself or by a caregiver.
MIC Gastrostomy Tubes by Kimberly-Clark are popular and widely prescribed for their unobtrusive presence. These tubes are available in various sizes and designed to give a secure fit to minimize the chances of leakage.
Feeding tube care is important to maintaining the patient's overall well-being. The caregiver or the patient himself can ensure the feeding pipe is cleaned after every feed or medication.
To ensure the feeding pipe is not clogged, your tube should be thoroughly flushed with water after every feed. If you notice clogging, place the syringe into the tube, pull back on the plunger, and flush the tube with warm water.
You may need to call a doctor if:
We have a wide range of enteral feeding tubes for sale at HPFY that provide efficient and effective results for enteral feeding. Here are a few of the top brands:
At HPFY, you can choose from an amazing range of enteral feeding tubes and accessories, like Mic Key Extension Sets from top manufacturers and brands. Get effective and healthy enteral feeding results with premium feeding tubes for sale.
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Learning to Use the Kimberly-Clark Gastrostomy Feeding Tube
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A blocked tube can easily prevented with precautions. Make sure to flush the tube before and after each feed or medication. Use either sterile or cooled boiled water with a 20ml (minimum) syringe to minimize pressure and volume. The dietitian will advise you on how much water you need for adequate flushing. Do not use acidic solutions like fruit juices or cola, as this could curdle the feed and block the tube further. Gently squeeze the tube between your fingers along the length of the tube and repeat flushing if the blockage does not cleared. It can take up to 30 minutes to unblock the tube.
A tube can get blocked because of:
If you take good care of your tube, the color should not change. However, if the tube has been in place for a long period of time some discoloration may occur due to the feed and medications.
Over-granulation means the overgrowth of skin around the stoma site where the feeding tube is inserted. This might happen since your body is trying to repair the surgical incision. Over-granulation is common and treatable. If you notice it developing around the stoma site please inform your healthcare provider.
It is possible sometimes that your feeding tube might become loose or dislodged with coughing, sudden movements or accidental or excessive pulling of the tube. If so happens stop feeding straight away. If you have an NG tube and you've been shown how to replace it, please do so. Otherwise, you'll have to go to hospital and have your NG or NJ tube replaced by a healthcare professional beforehand to avoid waiting in Accident & Emergency.
If you have a gastrostomy (PEG or RIG button) or jejunostomy and it is accidentally removed, please put a dressing over the site and go as quickly as possible to the hospital Accident & Emergency Department or get in touch with your emergency contact, as the stoma will begin to close up.
