Artificial feeding, sometimes called “tube feeding,” supplies nutrition and liquids to those unable or unwilling to eat or drink. It is done by surgically inserting a tube directly into the stomach (gastrostomy) or by inserting a tube through the mouth or nose (orogastric or nasogastric [NG] tube).

Liquid nutrients may also be delivered into the bloodstream through a needle or catheter that is inserted into a vein (intravenous feeding).