Tube Feeding: Indications, Considerations, and Technique

Tube feeding, as an alternative to eating, conveys nutrition, fluid, and medications safely and reliably to the intestinal tract. This chapter reviews the many ways of establishing and maintaining tube feeding. For a satisfactory outcome, the requesting provider, patient, family, and consultant must understand the indication, purpose, and expectations of this approach. Because tube position determines function, proper selection and placement are discussed in detail. Special attention is given to surgical and percutaneous endoscopic and radiological approaches. Long-term complications are reviewed in detail and a comprehensive approach to management is outlined, with emphasis on the role of a multidisciplinary enteral nutrition team. Position papers and core references are provided.