Why is this procedure done?
Nutrition support is for people who cannot get enough food by eating or drinking. It is used to improve and help keep your nutrition until you can do it on your own. Nutrition support is a combination of sugar, carbs, proteins, fats, vitamins, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and minerals. ‚
There are many methods used to help you improve your nutrition. ‚
- Oral nutrition support ¢ ˆ ’ This would be adding snacks and drinks to what you already eat
- Tube feeding ¢ ˆ ’ You are given liquid food into your stomach either in your nose, mouth, or directly in your stomach.
- I.V. nutrition ¢ ˆ ’ You take food through an I.V. line
Nutrition support is used when you: ‚
- Cannot swallow
- Have problems with your appetite
- Have poor nutrition because of illness
- Cannot take in nutrients through your stomach and small bowel
- Your stomach, small or large bowel do not work like they need to
What will the results be?
You will get the nutrients needed by your body. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history and do an exam.
- Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
What happens during the procedure?
For tube feeding through the nose: ‚
- Your doctor will ask you to lie on your back.
- Your doctor will check your nostrils to find the best side to put the tube down.
- Your doctor will measure the tubing from the bridge of your nose to earlobe, then to the point halfway between the end of the breastbone and the belly button.
- Your doctor will mark the length with a marker and grease the tube.
- The back of your throat will be numbed.
- The tube will be gently placed into your nose, through your throat, into your esophagus, and down to your belly. Swallow while the tube is being placed.
- Your doctor will check to make sure the tube has reached your stomach by attaching a syringe to the end of the tube, and pushing air into the tube while listening to your stomach with a stethoscope. The doctor should hear a loud gurgling noise. The doctor will also pull some of your stomach contents out of the tube to be sure of its place.
- Your doctor will tape the tube on your skin to keep it in place.
- An x-ray may be done to make sure the tube is in your stomach.
For a tube feeding that is placed directly into your stomach: ‚
- The doctor will spray a drug on the back of your throat to numb your throat. Your doctor will put a tube called an endoscope in your mouth and down the esophagus. Your doctor will ask you to swallow to help the scope pass through your throat.
- The doctor will see pictures of your stomach from the camera at the end of the tube. These pictures will help your doctor find the spot in your stomach to put the PEG or feeding tube. The doctor will put a needle through your belly to the stomach. The doctor will put a thin wire through the needle into the stomach. Then, the PEG tube, which is put through the scope, will be attached to the wire. The wire will be pulled gently out towards the belly. The PEG tube will be placed in position.
- The doctor will pull the wire out when the tube is in place. A bumper or balloon will hold the PEG tube in position. The doctor will tape the PEG tube to your belly.
- Your doctor will cover the wound site with clean bandages.
- The procedure takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
For I.V. nutrition: ‚
- Your doctor will clean the skin where the tube will be placed. The doctor will numb the skin so you do not feel any pain.
- Your doctor will put the tube into a vein. This may be done in surgery or in a procedure room.
- Your doctor will tape the tube in place.
What happens after the procedure?
- Your doctor will tell you when you can go home.
- You will be taught how to give yourself nutrition.
- You may go back to your normal activity.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- You will need to care for your feeding tube.
- You will need to give yourself the nutrition as ordered by the doctor. The dietician may make changes to the nutrition as time goes on.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Your doctor may set up a visit to check on your catheter or feeding tube. Your doctor will talk with you if other tests are needed.
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Clog in the feeding tube
- Feeding tube falls out
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills.
- Swelling, redness, warmth around the feeding tube; too much pain when touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge; foul smell coming from around the feeding tube
- For feeding tube into your stomach:
- Many loose stools
- Upset stomach and throwing up
- Clogged feeding tube
- Feeding tube falls out
Where can I learn more?
American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition ‚
http://www.nutritioncare.org/About_ASPEN/What_is_Nutrition_Support/What_is_Nutrition_Support/ ‚
http://www.nutritioncare.org/Information_for_Patients/What_is_Enteral_Nutrition_/ ‚
http://www.nutritioncare.org/Information_for_Patients/Information_for_Patients/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚