How does a feeding tube in stomach work?

Feeding tubes are typically used by people who have difficulty with normal eating and require some kind of nutritional support. Putting it simply, it’s like having a straw directly into your stomach! Pretty convenient right? Well for those unaware or unsure about this procedure, the question arises – how does a feeding tube work exactly? Don’t worry if you’re feeling confused already as we’re here to clear up all doubts in one go!

Understanding the Basics

Firstly, let’s describe what the heck is even happening within our tummies when something like food or liquids are ingested through our mouths (also known as oral ingestion). I’m not going too crazy on this but basically, once food passes through your mouth and down your esophagus (the pipe that connects your throat and stomach), it enters a sphincter muscle called Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) which helps prevent acid reflux from shooting back upwards. Once past LES, the liquid realizes his whole life has been pointless since he was never meant to be there in the first place until.. voila! He lands himself into an organ known as ‘stomach’ which serves to break down food using digestive juices and churning action.

Now unfortunately due to several medical conditions such as stroke, cancer, ALS etc., patients aren’t always able eat normally using their tongues so they’d need another way of giving nutrition without risks related to choking hazards whilst attempting swallowing which ultimately could lead toward pneumonia-induced death… Jeez Louise!! . This is where Enteral Nutrition comes into play- These methods usually include inserting either nasogastric tubes (NG Tubes)or PEG tubes(stoma created directly through abdomen onto stomach)in order make sure patient doesn’t starve.

What Are Feeding Tubes?

Briefly speaking ,there are number of different types of feeding tubes but essentially, they all have the same purpose which is to provide easy conduit for Nutrition and fluids from outside body environment. In contrast to NG Tubes, PEG(Tube) -percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomyis a more permanent form where a small opening in one’s abdomen is made through which it goes straight into stomach
.

How Are Feeding Tubes Placed?

Our Doctors make use of Endoscopes (small cameras) whilst performing this minor surgery. During procedure, you’re under either light sedation or general anesthesia as your medical staff inserts an endoscope down your throat in order to view gastric region allowing them guide tube into correct position whilst prevent perforations and suchlike nuisances. Now my question here- Have you ever wondered what would happen if somebody sneezed at that exact moment when insertion was underway? Yeah no me neither!

Anyway, Once placement has been confirmed by an x-ray with radiopaque markings on your skin we finally have operational tube. It can be used immediately or after couple days rest considering whether inflammation, irritation occurred during initial insertion process.

What To Expect After Placement

Firstly, You’d have very sore throat since muscular piece responsible for vocal cord movement called Larynx needs be moved out the way so surgeons get clear visuals..so don’t expect perfect snazzy singing voice without side effect other than just overall really good impression of being sick.
Secondly, Once positive confirmation on correct positioning verified via X-Ray,MRI one’s ready to receive required nutritionals .
It varies between patients , amount nutrient needed over time will depend upon person’s specific medical condition/requirements plus caloric need based off measured energy expenditure per day.
Ofcourse as with anything labelled ‘medical’, results aren’t instantaneous therefore, Several months might pass before seeing desired differences . The main point I’m trying make here is that patience is key.. no getting disheartened or down if changes aren’t immediately visible.

Maintenance and Care

As with anything external coming in direct contact towards body , Feeding tubes demand quite rigorous hygiene routines .The recommended practices differ depending on who you ask however most doctors generally agree on –
1. Change tubing and any related contraptions (like syringes, bags) regularly
2. Clean around entry point religiously to prevent infection

## Risks associated with Stomach feeding tube

Although it’s considered as safe procedure, the placement of a PEG Tube carries some risks including –
Mild pain/discomfort near stoma entry point.
Minor signs infections like redness,skin irritation etc..
Of course though less common , serious consequences might also include –
Gastrointestinal leaking
Abdominal pain
Albeit being mindful these seldom happen.

Takeaway:

I hope this quick article has been informative enough for everybody trying learn basics behind How does a feeding tube work! If nothing else,I can lay my claim to having made constant references to ‘tubes’ without even breaking into song!!. Don’t worry if you’re not one of those visual learners since we’ve also included tables that breaks down types of Feeding Tubes plus Pros/Cons different ways long term care can be administered via such methods – I’m telling ya they’re very useful! Meanwhile For any other concerns related Enteral Nutrition procedures it’s always best consult your healthcare provider so they may recommend accordingly while keeping personalized needs in mind .. Yep said recommendation stands regardless whether medical advice needed regarding importance daily flossing or just how many more seasons new game thrones spinoff could excel through -That things final!!!!

Happy reading from all over ere folks!!!

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