A Gastrostomy tube is a small tube placed through the skin into the stomach that allows nutrition to be provided for people who are not able to take food in by mouth.
Gastrostomy tubes are inserted for various reasons. They may be needed temporarily or permanently. Gastrostomy tube insertion may be recommended for:
- birth defects of the mouth, esophagus, or stomach problems.
- problems with sucking and/or swallowing, for example in patients debilitated by stroke or dementia.
The Procedure
Under intravenous (IV) sedation and a local anesthetic to numb the skin, the radiologist will make a needle puncture on the left side of the abdomen.
A small, flexible, hollow tube (catheter) with a balloon or flared tip is inserted into the stomach. A small stitch is used to secure the tube to the stomach and a small dressing is applied to the tube site.
After the Procedure
The stomach and abdomen generally heal in 5 to 7 days. Moderate pain can be managed with medications. The patient will be fed intravenously (through an IV) for at least 24 hours. Feedings will begin when bowel sounds are heard. Feedings will start slowly with clear liquids and gradually be increased.
The patient/family will be taught:
- how to care for the skin around the tube.
- signs and symptoms of infection.
- what to do if the tube is pulled out.
- signs and symptoms of tube blockage.
- how to empty (decompress) the stomach through the tube.
- how and what to feed through the gastrostomy tube.
- how to conceal the tube under clothing.
- what normal activities can be continued.
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