Gastrojejunal tubes in paediatrics

A gastrojejunal (GJ) tube is a device that provides both intestinal and gastric access through the abdominal wall, allowing direct access for nutrition and medication (Figure 1). This can be important for patients in whom the physiology of the gastro-intestinal tract does not function as normal. GJ tubes improve the patient’s quality of life because there is a reduced need for a nasojejunal (NJ) tube to be placed, which can be uncomfortable, less cosmetically pleasing and, in paediatric or confused patients, an NJ tube could easily be pulled out.

This article will outline the indications for GJ tubes, where GJ tubes are placed, the main type of tube used, how they can be assessed and changed within radiology, and some complications that can arise. Finally, this article will...