Why is this procedure done?
Sometimes, you are not able to eat or take liquids by mouth. This may from an illness or after surgery. The doctor may place a special tube to give you food rich in nutrients. You can also use this tube to take in liquids and drugs. ‚
Sometimes, you need help with nutrition for a little while. The doctor may order a tube that goes from your nose to your stomach. This is called an NG tube or nasogastric tube. Sometimes the tube may have a small weight on the end of it. This helps move the thin tube beyond the stomach into the bowel. You may have less reflux with this kind of tube. You do not need surgery for a tube that goes from your nose into your stomach or bowels. ‚
If you need help for a longer time, the doctor will order a different kind of tube. This one would go from your belly wall to your stomach. This is often called a G-tube or gastric tube. You would need surgery for this kind of tube. ‚
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What will the results be?
With this tube, you can get the nutrients you need. This will help your body heal and recover faster. If you have not been getting good nutrition, it may also help you gain weight. With the tube, it will be easier for you to take some of the drugs you need, based on your illness. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. 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.
- If you will need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
NG tube ¢ ˆ ’ The procedure may be done in a doctors office or a hospital. You will likely be awake. The doctor may give you something to numb your nose. As the tube is put in, you are asked to swallow. You may be given ice chips or small sips of water to help you. The tube is taped in place and checked to make sure it is in the right location. The procedure takes about 15 minutes. ‚
G-tube ¢ ˆ ’ This procedure is most often done in a hospital. Once you are in the operating room, the staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery. ‚
The doctor will put a special tool with a camera through your mouth into your belly. This will help give a better view of where the tube will be placed. Your doctor will then make a small cut on your belly and put in the tube. The tube will be taped and dressed with gauze. The procedure takes 30 to 45 minutes. ‚
What happens after the procedure?
You may need to stay overnight in the hospital if you have surgery. You will be watched closely. There may be some drainage around the tube for 24 to 48 hours. Your nurse may change the dressing as needed. You will learn how to properly care for your tube. You will also learn how to feed yourself through the tube. You may feel a little pain in the area where the tube was put in for a few days after the procedure. You may be given drugs for pain. ‚
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. At home, you or your caregiver should: ‚
- Always wash your hands before and after using the tube.
- Always clean the cut site properly and let it dry.
- Always clean your feeding tube supplies with soap and warm water.
- Brush your teeth 2 times a day or as ordered by your doctor.
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. ‚
What lifestyle changes are needed?
Talk to a dietician about the right formula for you. It is important to follow the diet given to you. You need to have good nutrition in order to help your illness improve. ‚
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain.
- Signs of wound infection. These include swelling, redness, warmth around the wound; too much pain when touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge; foul smell coming from the cut site; cut site opens up.
- Cramping in your belly, gas pain, or throwing up
- Loose or hard stools, belly pain, breathing liquid into your lungs, high blood sugar
- Clogged tube, tube comes out, leaking from the tube
- No bowel movement or not being able to pass gas
Where can I learn more?
American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition ‚
http://www.nutritioncare.org/wcontent.aspx?id=266 ‚
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. ‚