Feeding tube insertion

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Overview

Recovery

Risks

Feeding tube insertion - gastrostomy

Alternative Names:

Gastrostomy tube insertion; G-tube insertion; PEG tube insertion; Stomach tube insertion; Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube insertion

Expectations after surgery:

This is a relatively simple surgery with a good prognosis.

Convalescence:

The stomach and abdomen will heal in 5 to 7 days. Moderate pain can be managed with medications. 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

Review Date: 11/10/2004
Reviewed By: Christian Stone, M.D., Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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