stomach missing must not have food or fluid in the operative area until his digestive tract has had a chance to return to normal functioning following the surgery. Although these patients are unable to eat, they are receiving a wellbalanced, nutritious diet by way of the Barron Food Pump. This machine was invented in 1949 by Dr. James Barron of Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. With it patients can be fed liquified natural foods which are inexpensive, easy to prepare, and simple to administer. This method of feeding the patient is much more comfortable, and less expensive, than intravenous or subcutaneous feedings. Our hospital's central supply department issues the pumps to the patient care units when requested. The equipment includes the pump mechanism, the food container and an outer insulated container, and latex tubing (Photo 1). A No. 240 polyethylene food tube, with a diameter of less than 2.5 mm., is also supplied. We prefer polyethylene to polyvinyl tubing, which sometimes becomes hardened and irritates the mucosa.