Gastrostomy: Permanent and Temporary
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Editorial Staff And Contributors DefinitionA gastrostomy makes a new path for food to enter the body. A tube is placed through the belly and into the stomach. It may only be needed until other areas heal or need to stay in permanently. Gastrostomy can be done as:
Reasons for Procedure TOPA gastrostomy is needed if food is not able to pass through the mouth and throat. It may be needed to feed a person that has:
It may also be used to drain a build up of acid or fluids. This may be needed with blockages such as those caused by a cancer growth.
Possible Complications TOPProblems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:
Complications are more common in older adults. Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
Be sure to discuss these risks with your doctor before the surgery. What to Expect TOPPrior to ProcedureYour doctor will review previous tests and your health history. This will include review of:
Leading up to your procedure:
AnesthesiaGeneral anesthesia will be used. It will block any pain and keep you asleep through the surgery. Description of the Procedure TOPA gastrostomy may be done at the same time as another stomach surgery. An incision will be made through the skin and the belly wall. The last cut will be made in the stomach. A tube will then be placed through the skin and into the stomach. This tube will be stitched in place. The incision will be closed. Immediately After Procedure TOPThe doctor will make sure that the tube is placed correctly. You will be moved to the recovery room. The care team will watch you for any complications. How Long Will It Take? TOPAt least 1 hour How Much Will It Hurt? TOPThe area will be painful after the surgery. Medicine will help with the pain until you heal. Average Hospital Stay TOPThis procedure is done in a hospital setting. You will stay 1 to 2 to make sure the tube is secure. Your doctor may choose to keep you longer if complications arise. Post-procedure Care TOPAfter the procedure, you can expect the following:
Call Your Doctor TOPCall your doctor if any of these occur:
If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away. RESOURCES:American College of Gastroenterology http://gi.org American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy https://www.asge.org CANADIAN RESOURCESCanadian Association of Gastroenterology https://www.cag-acg.org Health Canada https://www.canada.ca References:Gastrostomy tube (g-tube). Kids Health—Nemours Foundation website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated January 2018. Accessed January 10, 2018. Gastrostomy tube (g-tube) home care. Cincinnati Children's website. Available at: https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/g/g-tube-care. Updated July 2016. Accessed January 10, 2018. Last reviewed February 2019 by Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD Last Updated: 2/12/2019 |
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