Direct comparison
Jejunostomy Tube vs Gastrostomy Tube: Differences
Jejunostomy tube vs gastrostomy tube: stomach vs jejunum, FDA French size ranges (12-18 vs 12-30 Fr), feeding pattern and replacement, with sources.
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How do Jejunostomy tube (J-tube), Gastrostomy tube (G-tube) compare side by side?
The table below compares Jejunostomy tube (J-tube), Gastrostomy tube (G-tube) across 12 procurement-relevant dimensions, from where the feeding is delivered through source.
Side-by-side comparison
| Dimension | Jejunostomy tube (J-tube) | Gastrostomy tube (G-tube) |
|---|---|---|
| Where the feeding is delivered | The jejunum, part of the small intestine. A J-tube bypasses both the mouth and the stomach. | The stomach. A G-tube bypasses the mouth. |
| Outer diameter range (French size) | 12 to 18 Fr (jejunostomy tubes) | 12 to 30 Fr (gastrostomy tubes) |
| Same range in millimetres | About 4 to 6 mm, using the rule 3 Fr = 1 mm | About 4 to 10 mm, using the rule 3 Fr = 1 mm |
| Relative thickness | Thinner than a G-tube. | Thicker than a J-tube. |
| Typical feeding pattern | Continuous drip feedings of prepared commercial formula with a feeding pump. | May be used full-time, replacing oral feeding, or part-time, for certain types of nutrition or during illness. |
| Where the source says it is used | Often recommended for children who experience frequent vomiting. | Used when feeding is placed in the stomach, full-time or part-time. |
| Long-term (chronic) tubes | Enteral tubes for use beyond 4 weeks are placed percutaneously into the stomach or the jejunum. | Same framing: tubes for use beyond 4 weeks are placed percutaneously into the stomach or the jejunum. |
| Replacement if the tube comes out, per Gillette | Gillette says never try to replace a J-tube yourself; the child needs to see a doctor. | Gillette says a G-tube can easily be replaced without an additional procedure. |
| Combined gastrojejunal (GJ) option | A GJ-tube threads a J-tube into the small intestine through a gastrostomy. | GJ-tubes have 12 to 22 Fr outer diameters in the FDA table and two ports: a gastric port for decompression and a jejunal port for continuous feedings. |
| Matching sets and ports to the tube | A G-J button has both a gastric and a jejunal port, each needing its own feed or extension set (see the CASRAI G-tube button guide). | A gastric button has a single gastric port. Sets must match the tube type and French size listed in the manufacturer instructions for use. |
| When each is used | Per the sources above: continuous pump-fed formula into the small intestine, often recommended after frequent vomiting. A clinician decides. | Per the sources above: feeding straight into the stomach, full-time or part-time. A clinician decides. |
| Source | FDA draft guidance, Oral Drug Products Administered Via Enteral Feeding Tube (June 2021), Table 1 (fda.gov/media/149688/download); Gillette Children's, Feeding Tubes for Children (gillettechildrens.org/conditions-care/feeding-tubes); read 2026-10-30. | FDA draft guidance, Oral Drug Products Administered Via Enteral Feeding Tube (June 2021), Table 1; Gillette Children's, Feeding Tubes for Children; MedlinePlus, Feeding tube insertion - gastrostomy (medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002937.htm, reviewed 4/11/2026); read 2026-10-30. |
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