A self-illuminating endogastric tube which simplifies the correct placement of the distal end of the endogastric tube within the gastrointestinal tract of a patient. A self-illuminating stylet which simplifies the correct placement of the distal end of an endogastric tube within the gastrointestinal tract of a patient. A method of placing the distal end of an endogastric tube within the gastrointestinal tract of a patient that does not expose the patient to radiation, or that limits the amount of radiation exposure to less than the amount associated with standard methods of placing the distal end of an endogastric tube within the gastrointestinal tract of a patient. A method of confirming the correct placement of an endogastric tube that does not expose the patient to radiation, or that limits the amount of radiation exposure to less than the amount associated with standard methods of placing an endogastric tube.