Naso-Duodenal (ND) or Naso-Jejunal (NJ) Tube

Like NG-Tubes, NJ-Tubes go through the nose and down the oesophagus, but instead of going directly to the stomach, they end up in the small intestine. This can be either in the duodenum (ND-Tube) or in the jejunum (NJ-Tube).

The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine and the jejunum is a part of the small intestine just beyond that. You may hear your doctor use the term “post-pyloric” when talking about these kind of tubes. If a tube goes into your bowels, like an NI-Tube, it’s called a “post-pyloric feeding tube”.

Tubes that must pass through the stomach and into the small intestine require a trained clinician to place it and shouldn’t be replaced at home if it’s significantly dislodged. In many hospitals and clinics, these tubes can still be placed at your bedside (meaning you don’t have to go to an endoscopic or operating room) if the clinician uses a visualisation assistance, like an x-ray or CORTRAK* device to ensure the tube ends up where it’s supposed to. You may be taken to an imaging room where your clinician can use special instruments, like fluoroscopy (x-ray) and/or an endoscope (small tube with a camera on the end, used to see inside your body) to place the tube as well as to confirm it’s reached the part of your body that it is supposed to.

NG-Tubes are typically used on a short-term basis for no longer than four to six weeks. However NI-Tubes stay often in place as long as these are functional.