RIG feeding tube... yes or no?

Good evening, as a fellow wife I feel for you . Also my husband is now 10mths post treatment, I remember our diagnosis as if it was yesterday. As for a RIG/PEG fitting, as you might get told by others, it is highly recommended. My husband had his PEG fitted prior starting his treatment. For the first two weeks into treatment he was able to eat normally, but then he was pretty much reliant on his feeding tube,swallowing solids,even liquids became so painful that everything got fed through it,even his meds. He was lucky enough that he didn't have any complications with it,ie struggling with feeling bloated or infections ect. As a precaution, I would say have it fitted,it's better to have it and not needing it, then needing it and not having it. It was a life saver for my hubby. But talk to your medical team. All my best wishes. Fellow wife Mel x

Thank you so much Mel.  It helps to know that it was the right thing to do.   I hope your husband is doing okay.

Good evening, A little lost4db36a, if the consultant has recommended having a PEG/RIG, then i would go for it. i have had operations and treatment in this area and had a PEG fitted, which is the same as a RIG, its just fitted differently. I think your husband will benefit from having one because swallowing might become a problem, especially with solid food, plus it may also become painful when trying to swallow. Its always better to have it fitted before the operation as it will give the RIG time to heal and settle down, the last thing you want it to go through having one fitted halfway through the treatment. Plus it will be handy for any meds he may need. Some people have an NG feeding tube that goes down the nose into the throat, but it may not be suitable for your husband because of where the treatment is being done.I hope all goes well with the treatment and recovery. All the best to you both, take care. 

                                                                      Chris x

• I would like to think that others will agree from what I learned of this site. It has given me support and advise when I first joined after my husband diagnosis nearly a year ago now. What got us through was being told that this cancer was very much curable and it took some time for us to adapt to the news. We had another follow up appointment today with his consultant and he was happy with my husbands progress. His throat is healing nicely.So stay strong and positive. Stay on this site, there is always someone here to talk to. If you feel like it, keep us informed about your hubbies journey. Talk again soon. X

Hi, I would always advice anyone to have a RIG or a PEG fitted, if they are offered one. I had a RIG, after3 weeks into my treatment I was 100% reliant on it and remained so for approx 10 weeks. I really don't know how I would have managed without it; it was my lifesaver, lots of people on here would say the same. Ask any questions you may have, someone will always answer if they can.

Ray.

Hi my trust  didn’t routinely fit feeding tubes but I consented to a ng tube being fitted if needed. Oh boy by end if week 2 I needed it. It was my lifesaver at the moment you  can’t imagine how difficult things can get. I couldn’t sip water to take medication but  once  was fitted all my medication nutrition and hydration went through tube. I did my swallow exercises regularly which maintained my swallow. My end if week 3 recovery I was able to  take the tube out and made an uneventful recovery which I credit having the feeding tube played a huge part. 
if your consultant recommends it I would take his recommendation. He may be able to swallow now but unless you have been in a position where in less than 12 hours I went from eating fairly ok to nothing going down the tube is an insurance policy. For the eventual outcome   There’s a fee that have managed without one but I’ve been in here 7 years and the majority do heed one. 
Hazel x

I had my tube fitted at the beginning of September 2025 so that it was 'settled in' before any consequences of therapy which is being arranged but yet to start. They cannot find a 'primary' following neck surgery and mucosectomy, so, I have yet to have to feed through it. The idea is daunting but once you get used to it (I am a relatively fit 70) and the routines, it is fine. The system with Abbott nurses (Hospital2Home) and replacement materials etc has been excellent.  

Had a PEG tube fitted, life saver, a bit of a nuisance but an essential piece of kit, takes the worry out of being unable to manage solid foods, had it in place for around 6 months.

Thank you so much for all the replies, it really helps.  Hoping radiotherapy will start in a couple of weeks.  My husband is having his mask fitted next week and then the RIG.  Thank you everyone. 

Not a RIG, but a PEG.  I insisted on it before I commenced treatment and it was the best decision to make.  I could not face an NG tube so PEG/RIG was the correct option for me.  Some do have trouble with the tube, but I had absolutely none from the moment it went in until the day it came out.  Although I ate throughout treatment, I went onto full tube feeding after my last RT session.  Most don't make it that far.  Personally I feel it is better to be prepared by having a tube in place for the feeding challenges.  These invariably end up as a crisis (normally at a weekend) awaiting an NG tube to be inserted so you can feed, hydrate and take meds.