Medically called a percutaneous gastrostomy tube placement, or g-tube, a feeding tube is a safe and effective way to provide food, liquids and, when warranted, certain medications to people who may have difficulty chewing, swallowing, or eating due to weakness, nausea, or lack of appetite. Proper placement ensures that these nutrients are delivered directly into the stomach for maximum benefit and ease.

After providing numbing or medication appropriate for your comfort, your MIT radiologist will place a small catheter from the mouth into the stomach and use the catheter to inflate the stomach with air, thereby creating a target which can easily be seen and punctured with a small needle under fluoroscopy. Once placed, the tube will be secured against the skin for easy access and minimized risk of disruption.

Your MIT doctor and staff will work to ensure your maximum relaxation throughout, so the process will be accurate, quick, and as comfortable as possible.