Problems with enteral feeding tubes (PEG or NG)

Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG)

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a method of artificial enteral nutrition.

• “Patients who either are unable to take any nutrition orally or who are unable to take sufficient nutrition orally, but in whom the gastrointestinal tract is functioning, may be fed enterally. This implies feeding into the gastrointestinal tract using a tube”
• Gastrostomy feeding involves the creation of a tract between the stomach and the surface of the abdomen. PEG tubes are placed endoscopically.

Nasogastric tube (NG)

• A nasogastric tube is a thin, soft tube made of plastic that is passed through the nose, down through the throat, and into the stomach. It can be used to deliver food or medicine to the stomach for people who have difficulty eating or swallowing.
• NG tubes are placed by trained care providers at the bedside.

Management of feeding tubes in the community

In NHS Borders PEG and NG tubes are managed by the Nutricia at home nursing team.

The Nutricia nursing team provided all of the PEG/NG training while in hospital or within 24 hours of placement, this is requested via the dietetic team.  Nutricia provide ongoing support via phone, video call, there is a homeward app or will come direct to the patient's home.  They also monitor and provide balloon gastrostomy changes at home and monitor PEG first placement tubes.