A gastrostomy tube (Fig. 1) was constructed with the idea of efficiency, more comfort, and less expense to the patient who must rely on this method of feeding for a prolonged period. It is made of soft rubber with both a distal and a lateral perforation. The proximal end has a circular piece of rubber wider than the tube itself, which gives close approximation to the abdominal wall to avoid leakage of gastric secretions and feedings. The opening of the tube is large enough to allow the end of a feeding funnel to fit with ease. A screw cap keeps the tube closed between feedings. The adult size is No. 40 F. Children's sizes are according to the size desired for the individual case.
This tube is only used after the gastrostomy fistula is formed. After the actual operating procedure a No. 40 F. catheter is used in order to get a good-sized tract. The advantage of a No. 40 F. gastrostomy tube is that thick liquids can be given with ease.