Feeding tube

A feeding tube or use of enteral nutrition is a way to manage certain severe gastrointestinal problems or to increase food intake in a small number of patients with severe ME/CFS.

Feeding tubes typically refer to use of a catheter (narrow tube) to deliver liquid nutrition directly into part of the gastrointestinal tract, eg the jejum or stomach.

Parenteral nutrition refera to nutrition delivered intravenously through a central line near the top of the chest. Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is the use of patenteral nutritional to fulfill all dietary needs (without eating).

Theory
Feeding can take place when severe gastroparesis prevents food being digested quickly enough by placing a tube lower in the digestive tract.

Types

 * nasogastric tube - tube from nose to stomach
 * nasojejunal tube - tube from nose to small intestine
 * a gastrostomy places a tube into the stomach
 * a jejunostomy places the tube into the small intestine
 * total parenteral nutrition (TPN) - surgery places an IV tube into a vein, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract

Evidence
No studies have investigated the effects of the feeding, it is typically a last resort.

Patients who have used feeding tubes for ME/CFS include:
 * Merryn Crofts
 * Lynn Gilderdale
 * Whitney Dafoe

Risks and safety
Feeding tubes carry significant risks, including risks of surgery, complications from incorrect placement, risk of infection, and risk of nutritional deficiencies or complications from the feed used.

Learn more

 * Home enteral nutrition - Mayo Clinic
 * Total Parenteral Nutrition - MedlinePlus