Feeding Tube Insertion (Gastrostomy)

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Feeding Tube Insertion (Gastrostomy)
Feeding Tube Insertion
(Gastrostomy)
Written by Tricia Kinman
Medically Reviewed by Brenda B. Spriggs, MD, MPH, FACP

Overview
Preparation
Procedure
After the Procedure
When to Call the Doctor
Part 1 of 5: Overview
What Is a Feeding Tube?

A feeding tube is a tube that is inserted into your stomach through your abdomen. The
tube is used to supply nutrition when you have trouble eating. The procedure of
inserting the tube is called by various names including percutaneous endoscopic
gastrostomy (PEC), esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), and G-tube insertion.
This treatment is used for people who have trouble eating on their own. This can be
because of a deformity of the mouth or esophagus, or because the person has trouble
swallowing or keeping food down. This is also for individuals who can eat but arent
getting enough nutrition or fluids orally. The feeding tube can also be used to administer
medications.
Part 2 of 5: Preparation
Do I Need to Prepare for the Procedure?
This procedure is performed in a hospital or clinic. Before you begin, tell your doctor
about any medications you are taking, including blood thinners such as coumadin
(Warfarin) or Plavix. You will need to stop taking aspirin or anti-inflammatory
medications one week before the procedure. Your doctor will also need to know if you
have certain conditions such as pregnancy, diabetes, allergies, or heart and lung
conditions. If you have diabetes, your oral medications or insulin may have to be
adjusted the day of the procedure.
Gastrostomy is performed by using a flexible endoscopic tube with a camera
attachment. You may be given anesthesia to make you more comfortable. This may
make you drowsy following the procedure. Arrange before the procedure to have
someone to drive you home.
This procedure requires you to fast. Typically, doctors ask that you abstain from eating
eight hours prior to the procedure.
Part 3 of 5: Procedure
How Is The Endoscope Inserted?
During the procedure, you will be asked to remove any jewelry or dentures. You will
then be given an anesthetic and something to relieve the pain. You will lie on your back
and anendoscope (flexible tube with a camera attached) will be placed in your mouth
and down your esophagus. The camera will help the doctor visualize your stomach
lining to ensure that the feeding tube is positioned properly.
When the stomach is visible, the doctor will make a small incision in your abdomen.
Next, the doctor will insert the feeding tube through the opening. He or she will secure
the tube and place a sterile dressing around the site. There may be a little drainage.
The whole procedure usually lasts under an hour.
The feeding tube can be temporary or permanent, depending on the reason for the
feeding tube.
Part 4 of 5: After the Procedure
After the Procedure
Plan on resting after the procedure as the medicine may make you feel drowsy. The
abdomen should heal in about five to seven days. After the tube is inserted, you may
meet with a dietician who will show you how to use the tube for feeding. The dietician
will also educate you on how to care for the tube.
Drainage around the tube is normal for a day or two, and a nurse will probably change
your dressing on a regular basis. Feeling pain for a few days around the place where
you were cut is normal. Make sure to keep the area dry and clean to avoid skin irritation
or infection.
There are some risks associated with the procedure, but they are not common. Risks
include trouble breathing and nausea from the medication. Excessive bleeding and
infection are risks whenever you have a surgery, even with a minor procedure such as a
feeding tube insertion.
Part 5 of 5: When to Call the Doctor
When to Call the Doctor
Before you leave the hospital or clinic, make sure you know how to care for your feeding
tube and when you need to contact a doctor. You should call your doctor if:
the tube comes out
you have trouble with the formula or if the tube becomes blocked
you notice excessive bleeding
you have drainage around the site after several days
you have signs and symptoms of an infection, including redness, swelling, or a fever
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Article Sources:
Feeding tube - infants: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. (n.d.). National Library of Medicine - National Institutes of Health.
Retrieved July 19, 2012, from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002937.htm
Feeding Tube Insertion. (2011). University of Maryland. Retrieved August 1, 2012,
from http://www.umm.edu/ency/article/002937.htm
Feeding Tube Placement. (n.d.). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved July 18, 2012, from
http://my.clevelandclinic.org/services/percutaneous_endoscopic_gastrostomy_peg/hic_feeding_tube_placement.aspc
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