Product Feature

Enteral Feeding in New Zealand: Types of Feeding Tubes & How It Works

Types of Enteral Feeding | Feeding Tube Awareness NZ

What is enteral feeding?

Enteral feeding, also called tube feeding, is a method of delivering nutrition directly into the gastrointestinal (GI) tract using a feeding tube.

It is used when a person cannot eat or drink enough food safely, but their digestive system is functioning and can still absorb nutrients.

Tube feeding is commonly used in healthcare settings across New Zealand to provide patients with essential calories, fluids, and nutrients.

FREEARM

Pictured: FreeArm Muscle and Clamp Pink. FreeArm allows an extra hand to assist and support patients during feeding sessions.

How does tube feeding work?

Enteral feeding works by delivering nutrients directly into the gastrointestinal (GI) tract through a feeding tube, bypassing the mouth and throat.

The nutrients are usually in liquid form, making it easier for the body to absorb.

Feeding may be delivered:

  • In small scheduled doses (bolus feeding), or
  • Continuously over several hours (pump feeding)

The method used depends on the patient’s clinical needs.

Types of Feeding Tubes

Enteral feeding tubes are medical devices used to deliver nutrition directly into a person’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract. They are used when a patient is unable to meet their nutritional needs through oral intake alone.

Enteral feeding can be delivered using a range of feeding tube methods, with the most appropriate approach determined by the patient’s clinical needs, anatomy, and expected duration of nutritional support.

Feeding tubes come in different types depending on where they enter the body and sit in the GI tract:

Nasogastric (NG) tubes

A nasogastric tube is inserted through the nose and passes down into the stomach.

  • Typically used for short-term feeding
  • Common in hospitals and acute care settings

Gastrostomy tubes (G-tubes)

A gastrostomy tube is placed directly through the abdominal wall into the stomach.

  • Used for long-term feeding support
  • Common in home and long-term care settings

Each type serves different needs based on a person’s specific requirements and clinical considerations.

Medicina nasogastric (NG) tube

Pictured: Medicina nasogastric (NG) tube

When is Enteral Tube Feeding Required?

Enteral tube feeding may be required when a person can’t eat or swallow safely or consume enough to meet their nutritional needs.

Here are some common reasons for enteral feeding:

  • Neurological Disorders: Conditions like stroke or severe cerebral palsy can impact swallowing ability.
  • Cancer: Certain treatments or symptoms, such as nausea and fatigue, make eating difficult.
  • Critical Illness or Injury: Some injuries or illnesses increase nutritional needs or make it hard to eat by mouth.
  • Gastrointestinal Disorders: Some digestive conditions affect the upper GI tract but still allow nutrient absorption through other parts of the digestive system.
Types of enteral feeding | Medicina Gastrostomy Button

Pictured: Medicina Gastrostomy Button

Enteral Feeding in New Zealand

Enteral feeding is widely used across New Zealand healthcare settings, including hospitals, aged care facilities, and home-based care.

Healthcare professionals select appropriate feeding systems based on patient needs, clinical condition, and duration of support required.

How InterMed Supports Enteral Feeding

At InterMed, we proudly offer a comprehensive range of enteral feeding solutions designed to meet the diverse nutritional needs of patients.

We are also dedicated to supporting the Tubie Community through our collaborations with Mel Dimmett from The Blend and our support of Feeding Tube Awareness Week.

Looking for more information about InterMed’s Enteral Feeding range?  Visit our website enteral feeding solutions, contact your local InterMed representative or call 0800 333 444

Feeding Tube Awareness Week

Feeding Tube Awareness Week, launched by the Feeding Tube Awareness Foundation in 2011, is an annual initiative to educate the public, reduce stigma, and support individuals who use feeding tubes.

It provides an opportunity for patients, caregivers, families, and healthcare professionals to share experiences, raise awareness, and highlight the role of enteral feeding in patient care.

FAQs about Enteral Feeding


Q: What is tube feeding?
A: Tube feeding is another term for enteral feeding, where liquid nutrition is delivered directly into the stomach or intestine through a feeding tube.

Q: What are the different types of enteral feeding tubes?
A: There are several types, including nasogastric (NG) tubes that go through the nose to the stomach and gastrostomy (G-tubes), which are placed directly into the stomach. Each type serves specific needs based on each person.

Q: Is enteral feeding permanent?
A: Duration varies. Some people need feeding tubes temporarily, while others require them long-term due to chronic conditions.

Q: Are there any risks associated with enteral feeding?
A: Yes, as with any medical intervention, there are risks, such as infection or tube blockage. Regular healthcare monitoring helps reduce these risks.

Q: Can you still eat by mouth with a feeding tube?
A: In some cases, yes. Many people can eat small amounts by mouth while also using a feeding tube to get enough nutrition.

Q: What is Feeding Tube Awareness Week?
A: It’s an annual event to raise awareness about feeding tubes, reduce stigma, and support those who rely on enteral feeding

DISCLAIMER:

The products mentioned in this blog are intended for use by healthcare professionals only.

ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE.

Product images are for illustration purposes only and are owned by InterMed Medical Ltd, and their distribution is restricted.