The use of feeding tubes dates back centuries to help provide nutrition to those who were unable to eat by mouth. Some of the earliest known forms of feeding tubes included using hollow reeds inserted into the nose or mouth.
By the late 19th century, silicone rubber tubes started being developed and used in hospitals. Major advances occurred after World War 2 with the creation of flexible plastic Feeding Tubes that could be inserted long-term. Today, there are many different tube types available globally to support nutrition needs.
Nasogastric (NG) Tubes
One of the most common and basic tube types is the nasogastric or NG tube. This thin tube is inserted through the nose, down the throat and into the stomach. NG tubes can either be placed short-term for a few days or long-term for weeks or months. They are often used after surgery when a patient cannot eat or in palliative care situations. NG tubes are widely available worldwide at most hospitals and clinics for short-term use. Placement requires no imaging and the tubes are relatively inexpensive.
Nasojejunal (NJ) Tubes
A variation of the NG tube is the nasojejunal or NJ tube. With an NJ tube, the tip is threaded past the stomach and into the small intestine or jejunum. This type of tube may be used if someone has issues with their stomach preventing proper emptying, such as a gastric bypass surgery. Like NG tubes, NJ tubes can be placed in many locations globally either temporarily after a procedure or on a longer-term basis. Proper placement does require imaging such as an x-ray to verify the tip is in the jejunum.
Gastrostomy Tubes
When long-term feeding is needed, many facilities will opt for a gastrostomy or “G” tube placement. These tubes are surgically inserted directly through the abdominal wall and into the stomach. There are a few different types of gastrostomy tubes. G-tubes commonly come in the form of a balloon type that inflates to secure inside or a low-profile button type for easier management. G-tube placement requires a minor surgical procedure usually done in an endoscopy suite or operating room under light anesthesia. Replacement of G-tubes every few months may be needed based on wear. These procedures require properly trained staff and availability of supplies but G-tubes can be found in hospitals across the globe.
Jejunostomy Tubes
Similar to a G-tube but inserted further into the small intestine is a jejunostomy or “J” tube. A J-tube may be used when stomach emptying is an issue or certain nutrients need direct delivery into the jejunum. Placement involves a surgical procedure like a G-tube where the tube is inserted through an abdominal stoma but threaded farther down into the jejunum under imaging guidance. Follow up care and replacement of J-tubes are comparable to G-tubes in terms of resources and trained staff needed long-term. J-tube use is common in many developed nations where malnutrition treatment is advanced.
Nasal Bridle Tubes
For patients who require very long-term tube feedings, a nasal bridle tube may be an option. Unlike NG/NJ tubes which can fall out, a nasal bridle tube has a external portion secured safely onto the bridge of the nose. The internal tubing still passes into the stomach or intestine for feeding. This specialized tube design allows for feeding when other methods are not ideal long-term. Placement requires a high level of skill and access to the bridge tubes. They tend to only be found in major medical centers globally managing complex cases.
Tube Feeding Feeding Tubes Industry
No matter the type of tube, there are many different proprietary formula products available to provide complete nutrition worldwide. Standard formulas contain balanced levels of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. There are also disease-specific formulas for conditions like diabetes, renal failure, liver disease and more. Some regions may have greater access to specialized international formulas compared to more basic standard formulas. Formulas come prepared in liquid, powder or concentrated forms depending on the facilities and storage capabilities. Appropriate formula selection is important when managing tube-fed individuals globally.
Tube Placement Accuracy is Critical
Whether a feeding tube is placed temporarily or long-term, correct positioning within the gastrointestinal tract is essential. Improper tip location in the wrong part of the GI tract such as the lungs can lead to very serious health issues. Resources for verifying placement vary in different parts of the world. At minimum, methods like checking pH of fluid or seeing injected air bubbles during placement help check positioning. More advanced techniques incorporate imaging like fluoroscopy, ultrasound or x-rays to better visualize tube path. For critical or complex cases, endoscopy may be used which provides direct visualization but requires substantially more resources. Accuracy in all areas is key to safely meeting global nutrition needs through feeding tubes.
Regulations and Standards
Feeding tube usage is regulated in many developed countries to ensure standards of quality and practice are followed. Key areas addressed often include staff training qualifications, consent procedures, aseptic technique, confirmation of placement, ongoing care protocols and product recalls.
Regulation and guidelines are not always consistent or well established in every locale. International healthcare organizations actively work toward improving global standards, education and infrastructure to promote safety. Proper regulation helps increase appropriate access to enteral nutrition solutions while reducing potential harms.
*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