Definition

A 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:

• Endoscopic procedure—a more common and less invasive procedure called percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG)
• Open procedure—a large incision is made in the abdomen

Reasons for Procedure

A 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:

• A hard time swallowing
• Appetite problems
• Otherwise unable to eat

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.

Gastric Tube Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Possible Complications

Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Aspiration—accidental sucking into the airways of fluid, food, or any foreign material
• Damage to other organs
• Anesthesia-related problems
• Skin irritation around the tube
• Dislodging or malfunctioning of the tube
• Diarrhea

Complications are more common in older adults. Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

• Obesity or diabetes
• Smoking, alcohol use disorder, or drug abuse
• Use of certain prescription medications
• Prior abdominal surgeries

Be sure to discuss these risks with your doctor before the surgery.

What to Expect

Call Your Doctor

Call your doctor if any of these occur:

• Signs of infection, including fever and chills
• Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge from the incision site around the tube
• Tube becomes dislodged. This is most common in first 2 weeks. If the tube is left out the opening can close.
• Tube becomes clogged or does not work well.
• Leaking of feedings around the site of the tube
• Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain
• Nausea, vomiting, constipation, or swelling in the belly
• Inability to pass gas or have a bowel movement
• Severe abdominal pain

If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.