Frequently Asked Questions
Which patients may benefit from surgical nutritional support?
There are many reasons a patient might benefit from feeding tube placement. Most commonly, surgical nutrition is provided to individuals who are unable or unwilling to consume enough food by mouth to maintain adequate health. Other people who might require a feeding tube include those who are unable to swallow correctly or who breathe in (aspirate) their food when chewing and swallowing. Feeding tubes are also sometimes placed into the stomachs of babies who are born with certain birth defects, including abnormalities affecting the mouth, esophagus and stomach.
What should I expect during a surgical nutrition procedure?
Most tubes can be surgically placed in under an hour. Patients are typically sedated and given a local anesthetic to provide comfort during the procedure. Using a lighted camera placed through the mouth and into the stomach (endoscope), the surgeon will identify the tube insertion site. A small incision will be made in the abdomen to make room for the feeding tube.
What happens after the placement of a feeding tube?
Following the procedure, the feeding tube is taped to the abdomen and the incision site is dressed with a gauze dressing. Patients or their caregivers are given instructions for caring for the tube and the insertion site. It is normal to experience some soreness or discomfort immediately following the procedure, although this typically subsides within a few days.