Gastrostomy (Feeding) Tube

Doctors often recommend placing a gastrostomy tube in the stomach for a variety of conditions in which a patient is unable to take sufficient food by mouth for a prolonged period of time. In the procedure, the feeding tube is inserted through a small nick in the skin and into the stomach under X-ray guidance.

In patients with gastroesophageal reflux, in whom feeding into the stomach is not safe, a gastrojejunal feeding catheter can be placed, which allows liquid feeds to enter directly into the small intestines.