A gastrostomy feeding tube insertion is the placement of a feeding tube through the skin and the stomach wall. It goes straight into the stomach. This procedure has other names as Gastrostomy tube insertion; G-tube insertion; PEG tube insertion; Stomach tube insertion; Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube insertion.
Brief Description of the Gastric Tube Surgery
Gastrostomy feeding tube (G-tube) insertion is done in part using a procedure called endoscopy. This is a method of looking inside the body utilizing a flexible tube with a small video camera on the end of it. The endoscope is inserted through the mouth and down the esophagus, which causes the stomach.
After the endoscopy tube is inserted, the skin over the left side of belly (abdomen) area is cleaned up and numbed. The doctor makes a little surgical cut in this area. The G-tube is inserted through this cut into the stomach. Tube is small, versatile, and hollow. The doctor uses stitches to close the stomach around tube.
Some kids have medical issues that avoid them from being able to take sufficient nutrition by mouth. A gastrostomy tube (also called a G-tube) is a tube inserted through the abdomen that provides nutrition straight to the stomach. It’s one of the ways physicians can make certain kids with trouble consuming get the fluid and calories they need to grow.
Luckily, a gastrostomy is a typical procedure that takes just about 30 to 45 minutes. After spending 1 or 2 days in the hospital, kids who have actually had a gastrostomy can return to their normal activities relatively rapidly after the cut has recovered.
Reasons for Feeding Tube Insertion Surgery
Gastrostomy feeding tubes are put in for different factors. They may be needed for a brief time or permanently. This procedure may be used for:
- Children with birth defects of the mouth, esophagus, or stomach (for instance, esophageal atresia or tracheal esophageal fistula).
- Individuals who can not swallow correctly.
- Individuals who can not take enough food by mouth to remain healthy.
- Persons who frequently breathe in food when consuming.
Risks during the Surgery
Risks for surgical or endoscopic feeding tube insertion are:.
- Bleeding.
- Infection.
Before the Procedure
You will be offered a sedative and a pain reliever. In most cases, these medicines are offered through a vein (IV line) in your arm. You must feel no pain and not remember the procedure.
A numbing medication may be sprayed into your mouth to avoid the urge to cough or gag when the endoscope is inserted. A mouth guard will be inserted to secure your teeth and the endoscope.
Dentures need to be eliminated.
After the Surgery
This is frequently a simple surgery with an excellent outlook. Follow any self-care directions you’re given, consisting of:.
- How to take care of the skin around tube.
- Symptoms and signs of infection.
- What to do if tube is pulled out.
- Signs and symptoms of tube obstruction.
- How to empty the stomach through tube.
- How and what to feed through the tube.
- How to hide tube under clothes.
- What normal activities can be continued.
Outlook (Prognosis)
The stomach and abdominal area will heal in 5 to 7 days. Moderate pain can be treated with medicine. Feedings will start slowly with clear liquids, and increase slowly.
