A<unk>  is a medical device used to provide nutrition to patients who cannot or refuse to (q.v. hunger strike) obtain nutrition by swallowing. The state of being fed by a<unk>  is called enteral<unk>  or tube<unk> . Placement may be temporary for the treatment of acute conditions or lifelong in the case of chronic disabilities. Many patients treated using a<unk>  lack the ability to survive on their own without such technology.
A variety of<unk> s are used in medical practice. They are usually made of polyurethane or silicone. The diameter of a<unk>  is measured in French units (each French unit equals 0.33 millimeters). They are classified by site of insertion and intended use.<unk> s can be used for the force-feeding of prisoners on hunger strike, a controversial use. The World Medical Association prohibits the involuntary force-feeding of hunger strikers (except in cases of coma or mental impairment) through the Declaration of Tokyo (1975) and the Declaration on Hunger Strikers (1991).<unk> s are sometimes used on prisoners in a manner which can be categorized as torture, as allegedly at Guantanamo Bay detention camp (using nasogastric tubes).<unk> s are also used for the force-feeding of animals, such as the ducks and geese used to produce foie gras.
Feeding tube
Gastric suction
Digestive system surgery
Necrotising enterocolitis surgery
Endotracheal tube
French catheter scale
Guidewire iron man
Pancreatic fistula physical examination