Artificial feeding, sometimes called "tube feeding," supplies nutrition and liquids to those unable or unwilling to eat or drink. It is done by surgically inserting a tube directly into the stomach (gastrostomy) or by inserting a tube through the mouth or nose (orogastric or nasogastric [NG] tube).
Liquid nutrients may also be delivered into the bloodstream through a needle or catheter that is inserted into a vein (intravenous feeding).
Current as of:
May 12, 2017
Author:
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Arvydas D. Vanagunas, MD, FACP, FACG - Gastroenterology