Naso-Gastric (NG) Tube

NG-Tubes go through the nose and down the oesophagus to feed the stomach directly — these do not require surgery. Typically these tubes are placed in a hospital or clinic. Some hospitals and clinics use various devices so they can see where they are putting the tube, such as an x-ray or electromagnetic placement device, like CORTRAK.*

NG-Tubes are usually used on a short-term basis for four to six weeks. The tube is typically replaced every 3 days to 4 weeks, depending on the type of nasal tube. Tubes are replaced or changed because in rare cases, complications like sinusitis or damage to the nose can occur. If you are able to leave the hospital with a NG-Tube, your nurse will likely train you on how to replace the tube yourself, should it accidentally be yanked out, or become dislodged.