Compass is still being developed and is effectively in beta. Some content and features may be incomplete, change, or not work as expected.

Content is anchored to trusted sources where available, but Compass has not yet been clinically reviewed. It provides general information rather than medical advice.

Feedback helps us identify gaps, errors, usability problems and opportunities to improve Compass over time.

How Compass is developedGive feedback

Eating and nutrition

Gastrostomy

An opening made through the abdominal wall into the stomach so food, fluid and medicines can be given directly.

What it means

A short tube passes through the skin into the stomach and stays there. It does not stop you eating and drinking by mouth if that is still safe and enjoyable; it is a second route rather than a replacement. PEG and RIG are two different ways of placing one.

Why you might hear it

  • It is raised when eating becomes tiring, slow, or when weight is falling.
  • Teams generally raise it earlier than it is needed, so there is time to think.

People who may help

Where Compass goes into this

About this explanation

These are plain explanations of words you may come across, not advice about your own situation. Where a word matters to a decision, the question pages go into it properly, and your own team is the place to take it.