Methods and kits for inserting a tube through the nasopharynx of a patient

A method of inserting a feeding tube through a nasopharynx of a patient, said method comprising:

• inserting the feeding tube through a naris of the patient, the feeding tube comprising one or more side holes extending through a sidewall of the feeding tube at a distal end of the feeding tube;
• when the distal end of the feeding tube is proximate a rear surface of the nasopharynx, pulling on or holding in place opposite ends of a thread or the string that extends through the one or more side holes of the feeding tube so as to alter an initial direction of the distal end of the feeding tube and point the distal end of the feeding tube towards a throat of the patient;
• advancing the distal end of the feeding tube toward the throat of the patient while pulling on or holding in place the thread or the string;
• disengaging the thread or the string from the feeding tube;
• removing the thread or the string from the patient;
• and
• further advancing the distal end of the feeding tube toward the throat of the patient without the thread or the string;
• wherein said disengaging step comprises:
• releasing one of the ends of the thread or the string;
• and
• pulling on another of the ends of the thread or the string.