Insertion of an enteral feeding tube through the nose is a common procedure for children with cancer.
A thin, flexible, hollow tube is passed through the nose and esophagus into the stomach (nasogastric tube) or intestines (nasojejunal or nasoduodenal tube).
This gives the patient the opportunity to receive nutritional support and medications through a probe.
A nasogastric tube is also used to remove air and other stomach contents.
If anesthesia is used during the placement of the probe, the patient will be asked not to eat or drink for a certain time before the procedure.
It is very important to follow the preoperative fasting instructions.
The patient may be asked to follow fasting instructions after the procedure as well.
