Question

I am confused exactly what the different types of NG tubes are used for... I have always been under the misunderstanding that NG tubes are only for feeding. Can you please explain how to use the following?

salem sump

levin tube

miller abbott

dobhoff

G tube

J tube

Sengstaken Blakemore

PEG

PEJ

Answer 1

NG tubes are nasogastric intubation tubes which are used to give nutrition to the patient, for diagnostic purposes, for removal of intestinal fluids etc.

Types of NG tubes:

Salem sump- it has double lumen. It is used for suction of gastric contents and helps to maintain flow of air into the stomach.

Levin tube- It has single lumen. It prevents accumulation of gas and intestinal liquids during surgery.

Miller abbott – it has double lumen. It is used for aspiration and introduction of saline or water.

Dobhoff- it is used for feeding. It passes through the stomach into the intestine.

G tube- it is used for feeding and giving medicines, and to remove gastric gas and waste. It is inserted into stomach. G stands for gastronomy.

J tube- it is used for feeding and nutrition. It is slow in feeding than G tube. It is inserted into jejunum. J stands for jejunum.

Sengstaken Blakemore – it is used for treatment of bleeding esophageal varices.

PEG – it is also called G tube.

PEJ – it is also called J tube.