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A food hose is a device used to deliver nutrients directly into the stomach of a person who cannot swallow their own food.
Some of the common reasons why someone needs a feeding tube are:
- the swallowing mechanism is ineffective
- in a coma or vegetative state
- cancer of the head and neck so that it cannot be swallowed
- chronic loss of appetite due to severe illness or injury
There are three main types of feeding hoses, namely:
Nasogastric: Also known as the NG tube, this feeding tube is less invasive than the G or J tube (see below) and is only used temporarily. The nasogastric tube is thin and can be easily passed down the nose, through the esophagus and into the stomach, and can be pulled out easily. Because they are thin, they often get clogged, requiring a new insert. However, the use of these tubes has also been linked to sinusitis and other infections. Apart from this, this tube is the easiest and most reliable way to feed patients who have difficulty swallowing in the hospital.
Gastric tubes: Also known as a G tube or PEG tube, a gastric tube is a permanent (but reversible) type of feeding tube. G tube placement requires a minor surgery in which a G tube is inserted from the skin of the stomach directly into the stomach. This tube is placed in the stomach with a coiled wire, which is called a "pigtail," or by means of a small hot air balloon. This operation is safe but in a small percentage it can cause complications, such as bleeding and infection.
Jejunostomy tubes: Also known as a J tube or PEJ tube, the jejunostomy tube is similar to a G tube but its end is located inside the small intestine, so it passes through the stomach. This is especially true for people whose stomach has an impaired ability to move food into the intestines due to poor motility. It is also frequently used in people with gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), and in those who are obese.
When is the use of a feeding tube really beneficial?
A feeding tube is especially helpful for people who are unable to feed themselves as a result of acute illness or surgery, but still have a chance to recover. The feeding tube also helps patients who are unable to swallow temporarily or permanently, but have normal or near normal function. In such cases, the feeding tube may serve as the only way to provide much needed nutrition or medicine.
Does a feeding tube help stroke sufferers?
Feeding hoses can help stroke sufferers. Studies have shown that up to 50% of all hospitalized stroke patients are significantly malnourished. More importantly, complementary studies show that preventing malnutrition by feeding patients through a feeding tube in the early phase of acute stroke improves their recovery compared to patients who do not use a feeding tube. The type of tube that is often used within the first 30 days of a stroke is the NG tube.
In some cases, the use of a feeding tube can be very controversial. Among these are the following:
- Inserting a permanent feeding tube in a person who is in a coma due to a progressive and fatal disease (such as metastatic cancer) that is about to end his life
- Inserting a permanent feeding tube to a person who is unable to express his desires because of the disease, but who previously said that he does not want to be fed through the feeding tube
- Inserting a permanent feeding tube into a comatose patient who has severe brain damage and has no chance of recovery, but who can survive on artificial feeding alone
- Install a feeding tube to a person who has signed or determined that he will never be fed through the feeding tube.
Unfortunately, thorough discussions between doctors and families about this issue did not turn out as they should have. Many doctors are in a rush to insert a feeding tube, and many families rush to agree without having a full understanding of the benefits and consequences of permanent feeding tube placement.
