education

 A pediatric surgeon and an endoscopist placed the first endoscopically-placed gastrostomy tube (g-tube) in 1980.

They placed the g-tube in a 4-month-old baby who was failing to thrive, to provide nutrition and hydration.

It is estimated that 215,000 g-tubes are placed each year in the United States. A g-tube is a common alternative for patients who are unable to support their nutritional needs by oral intake. G-tubes may be a temporary source of nutrition, such as for patients with head and neck cancer or trauma, who will need nutritional support during treatment.

A g-tube may also be a permanent source of nutrition for patients unable to get adequate oral intake of food, liquids, or medications, often related to a neurological disorder such as stroke, ALS, or head injury.

 There are many types of feeding tubes.

For instance:

A nasogastric tube goes from the nose to the stomach.

A g-tube enters from the abdomen to the stomach.

A gastrojejunostomy tube enters from the abdomen to the stomach then to the jejunum (small bowel).

A jejunostomy tube enters from the abdomen to the jejunum.

G-tubes are the most common feeding tube for long-term nutrition. They are usually placed in a hospital setting by a Surgeon, Gastroenterologist, or Interventional Radiologist. Before or shortly after the g-tube is placed, it is important for you to have a consult with a dietician to determine caloric intake, type of tube feeding, frequency of feedings, and potential side effects of beginning tube feedings. Your healthcare provider will help you with necessary referrals.

 FAQs

  • You should clean your g-tube site daily using mild soap and warm water. Gently clean the skin around your g-tube and be sure to dry it well after cleaning. You may use a gauze pad or g-tube pad under the bumper to help absorb moisture and reduce the risk of infection.

  • Your g-tube will not prevent you from taking food by mouth. It is important to get clearance from your Speech therapist or provider before eating by mouth.

  • No, at CGTCares we only change g-tubes. G-j and j-tubes need to be changed using fluoroscopy (live xray).

  • Usually your g-tube should be changed every 3 months.

  • Your g-tube may be removed when you are able to take enough food and fluids by mouth without any complications. You will need to discuss the removal with your provider and have a written order to have it removed. CGTCares is able to remove your g-tube when it is time.

  • It is not uncommon to develop granulation tissue and it is not dangerous, but it may be painful or bleed. CGTCares is able to easily treat granulation tissue. We will monitor your g-tube site during every visit and treat or make recommendations for any treatment needed.

  • It is recommended that you flush with 30 ml before and after each feeding. You may need additional water to stay hydrated. It is difficult to get too much water unless you have a medical condition that restricts how much fluid you have a day, such as kidney disease or congestive heart failure. If you aren't sure, you should check with your provider first.

  • No, skin infections aren't common. If you do develop a skin infection they are usually easily treated with antibiotics. CGTCares will monitor your g-tube site with every g-tube change or more often if needed.

  • By far the most common preventable complications are clogging and accidently pulling out the g-tube.

    To prevent clogging: **FLUSH! FLUSH! FLUSH!** Flushing is the best way to prevent your g-tube from clogging. Medications can also clog the g-tube. Often you can get medications in liquid form or by crushing and dissolving the medication. CGTCares will review your medications to see if they are safe to crush or come in liquid form.

    To prevent accidentally removing your g-tube: **ALWAYS** know where your g-tube is placed. It is easy for the g-tube to get caught on something and accidentally pulled out. It is best to use an abdominal binder or g-tube pouch to hold your g-tube between feedings.

    CGTCares is available 7 days a week if you have a complication with your g-tube.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have further questions.

 Further Research

We appreciate being able to assist you and we encourage you to continue your journey in understanding your health.

A few resources we recommend are: