Enteral Administration
Introduction An enteral feeding tube (EFT) provides a means of maintaining nutritional intake when oral intake is inadequate or when there is restricted access to the gastrointestinal tract , e.g. owing to obstruction. It is also increasingly being used as a route for drug administration. Types of Feeding Tubes The type of feeding tube used will vary depending on the intended duration of feeding and the part of the GI tract the feed needs to be delivered to. Nasoenteric tubes are used for short- to medium-term feeding (days to weeks), whereas Ostomy tubes are used for long-term feeding (months to years) Enteral Feeding Tubes The external diameter of the feeding tube is measured in French unit (Fr) where 1 Fr = 0.33 mm. Small bore tubes may be between 5-12 French. Large bore tubes are those which measure more than 14 French. Enteral feeding tubes are made up of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PUR), silicone or latex. Silicone and latex tubes are softer and more flexible than po...