Nasogastric tube placement is a simple procedure, but can be unpleasant for the conscious patient. This is commonly performed by nursing staff; however, junior doctors would be expected to place them if these initial attempts are unsuccessful. Small-diameter (8–12 Fr) tubes are frequently used for patents who require enteral feeding. Larger tubes (14 Fr or larger) are used to administer medications, provide gastric decompression or allow continuous aspiration of retained gastric contents. These larger tubes are acceptable for feeding over a short period, usually less than 1 week. Small-bore NG tubes cause less trauma to the nasal mucosa both during insertion and while in situ, and are better tolerated. Placement errors lead to potentially major complications, most commonly when mistakenly placed in the respiratory tract. Failure to observe pathological states that constitute a contraindication to NG tube placement can result in passage of the tube into the brain (base of skull fracture) or peritoneum (upper GI perforation).