Why is this procedure done?
Gastrostomy is a procedure done to place a feeding tube into the stomach. This kind of feeding tube is often called a G-tube. Patients who cannot eat or drink or have trouble swallowing food may need a feeding tube. These patients may include patients who had a stroke, brain injury, cancer, and other health conditions. ‚
In this type of gastrostomy, a cut is made in the belly to place the feeding tube into the stomach. You may need the tube for a shot time or for the rest of your life. Talk to your doctor about how long you will need your G-tube. ‚
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What will the results be?
You will have a feeding tube. This tube gives a way to give you food and drugs. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the 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. Ask about what drugs you should or should not take.
- 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.
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- Your doctor may order a procedure to empty your stomach and bowel before the procedure.
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
What happens during the procedure?
- 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.
- When you are asleep, the doctor will put a tube in your mouth to help you breathe.
- Your doctor will make a cut in your belly and place the feeding tube. The doctor will place the gastrostomy tube through the skin into the stomach. A bumper or balloon-like stopper will be placed on the end of the G tube inside the stomach. This will help prevent the tube from falling out. The doctor will stitch the tube in place.
- Your doctor will close your wound with stitches and cover it with clean bandages.
- The procedure takes about 1 hour.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the Recovery Room and the staff will watch you closely.
- Tape will hold the tube to your belly.
- You may see drainage around the tube for 24 to 48 hours.
- You will have sterile gauze around the cut site. Change the gauze as needed.
- The staff will put water through the tube 3 to 24 hours after the procedure.
- You may feel pain around the cut site of the tube. Your doctor will give you drugs to help with the pain.
- Your doctor will tell you when you can go home.
What drugs may be needed?
Your doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Prevent infection
What problems could happen?
- Leakage of stomach contents around the tube
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Clog in the tube
- Tube falls out
- Skin irritation
Where can I learn more?
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/system/surgery/g_tube.html ‚
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. ‚