Direct comparison
GJ Tube vs G Tube: Ports, Route and FDA Code
GJ tube vs G tube compared: where each delivers feed, the two GJ ports, why GJ is used, FDA sizes (12-22 vs 12-30 Fr) and 21 CFR 876.5980 code PRY.
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How do GJ tube (gastrojejunostomy), G tube (gastrostomy) compare side by side?
The table below compares GJ tube (gastrojejunostomy), G tube (gastrostomy) across 12 procurement-relevant dimensions, from where the feed is delivered through source.
Side-by-side comparison
| Dimension | GJ tube (gastrojejunostomy) | G tube (gastrostomy) |
|---|---|---|
| Where the feed is delivered | Through the abdominal opening into the stomach and on to the first part of the small intestine (the jejunum), so feed bypasses the mouth, throat and stomach. | Through a surgical opening in the abdominal skin into the stomach. |
| Ports | Two ports: one ends in the jejunum and one in the stomach. They are clearly labelled. | One route, into the stomach. |
| Feeding pattern | Feeds are continuous over a long period by feeding pump, because the jejunum cannot hold feed the way the stomach can. Not suitable for blended food, because the small tubes are more likely to block. | Feeds into the stomach, which the hospital contrasts with the jejunum as able to hold feed. |
| Place in the usual sequence | Rarely the first enteral feeding method. NG and gastrostomy feeding are usually tried first, and a GJ device is usually suggested after gastrostomy feeding has been unsuccessful. | Usually tried before GJ feeding, alongside or after NG feeding. |
| Reasons the source gives | People who cannot tolerate feeding directly into the stomach, people with gastric motility problems, and people with gastro-oesophageal reflux, since feed is delivered past the stomach. | Feeding into the stomach when it is tolerated; GJ is considered when it is not. |
| Outer diameter range (French size) | 12 to 22 Fr (gastrojejunal tubes) | 12 to 30 Fr (gastrostomy tubes) |
| Rotating the device | Unlike gastrostomy tubes and buttons, GJ devices should not be rotated, because rotating can move the tube position in the jejunum and kink the tubing. | The hospital contrasts these with GJ devices as rotatable. |
| Medicines and the port | Most medicines go into the stomach port. Medicines the stomach cannot tolerate may go to the jejunum only after a doctor or pharmacist check. Liquid forms are preferred because tablets can block the tube. | A single stomach route, so no port choice arises. |
| FDA regulation and class | 21 CFR 876.5980, Gastrointestinal tube and accessories. Kit code PRY, Gastrostomy Jejunostomy Feeding Tube Kit: Class II, not 510(k)-exempt, submission type Enforcement Discretion (no 510(k) if the convenience-kit criteria are met). | Same regulation, Class II. Gastrostomy kit codes include PRP, Balloon Gastrostomy Tube Kit, and PSG, Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Kit. |
| Who chooses | The clinical team explains why GJ feeding might be most suitable and which device type is planned. | The clinical team, in the same way. |
| When each fits | Per the hospital source: when gastrostomy feeding has not worked, stomach feeding is not tolerated, or stomach emptying or reflux is the problem. A clinician decides. | Per the hospital source: the usual route into the stomach when it is tolerated. A clinician decides. |
| Source | Great Ormond Street Hospital, Gastrojejunostomy (transgastric jejunal) feeding device care, gosh.nhs.uk (last reviewed 1 June 2020; read 2026-10-30); 21 CFR 876.5980, law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/21/876.5980 (read 2026-10-30); openFDA device classification, product code PRY, api.fda.gov/device/classification.json (data updated 2026-10-19; read 2026-10-30). | FDA draft guidance, Oral Drug Products Administered Via Enteral Feeding Tube (June 2021), Table 1, as reported in the CASRAI jejunostomy vs gastrostomy comparison; Great Ormond Street Hospital, Gastrojejunostomy (transgastric jejunal) feeding device care, gosh.nhs.uk (last reviewed 1 June 2020; read 2026-10-30); openFDA product codes PRP and PSG (read 2026-10-30). |
Common questions
Common questions about GJ tube (gastrojejunostomy) vs G tube (gastrostomy)
What is a GJ tube used for?
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A gastrojejunostomy (GJ) tube delivers feed through an abdominal opening past the stomach into the jejunum, the first part of the small intestine. Great Ormond Street Hospital says it is generally considered after gastrostomy feeding has not worked, for people who do not tolerate stomach feeding or have problems with food moving through the stomach. Reflux may also benefit. The clinical team decides.
Why would someone need a GJ tube instead of a G-tube?
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The hospital source lists three situations: stomach feeding is not tolerated, food does not pass through the stomach to the intestines as it should (gastric motility problems), or gastro-oesophageal reflux, because feed delivered into the jejunum does not sit in the stomach. A GJ tube still has a stomach port. Which device a person needs is a clinical decision.
What is the difference between a G tube and an NG tube?
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A gastrostomy (G) tube enters the stomach through the abdominal wall; a nasogastric (NG) tube passes through the nose into the stomach. The FDA regulates both under 21 CFR 876.5980; openFDA lists the NG tube (product code BSS) as Class II. Full comparison: gastrostomy tube vs nasogastric tube.
What are the differences between a balloon gastrostomy tube and a PEG?
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The FDA lists them as separate product codes under the same regulation, both Class II: PRP, Balloon Gastrostomy Tube Kit, and PSG, Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Kit. The regulation notes that a gastrointestinal tube may incorporate an integral inflatable balloon for retention. For GJ devices, Great Ormond Street describes PEG-J devices (replaced every 18 months at that hospital) and balloon button GJ devices held by a water-filled balloon (replaced every six months). See the G-tube types guide.
