Each type of therapy is used in different situations. Small plastic or silicon tubes are used. Tubes are changed whenever they become plugged or at regular scheduled intervals. The tube is put through the nose and down into the stomach or small intestine. This does not require surgery.
Many people find the tube somewhat uncomfortable, and it is easily dislodged accidentally.
A balloon in the stomach holds the tube in place. These tubes are placed when tube feeding is needed for months or more. The tube to be used for feeding is surgically placed in the middle section of the small intestine called the jejunum. These tubes are also placed when tube feeding is needed for a long time, usually permanently. Diarrhea is the most annoying complication.