A gastric tube (or a feeding tube) helps feed the patient during his/her stay in Intensive Care. Through this tube, the patient receives a balanced diet, containing exactly the necessary quantity of carbohydrates, protein, lipids, vitamins and minerals. A gastric tube can be inserted in the oesophagus and the stomach by the nose or mouth. Sometimes a gastronomy tube can be inserted directly into the small intestine with a small surgical intervention.