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Gastrostomy: Permanent and Temporary

by Editorial Staff And Contributors

Definition

Reasons for Procedure

Possible Complications

What to Expect

Call Your Doctor

En Español

Definition

This is surgery to place a tube through the abdomen and into the stomach. 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 TOP

A gastrostomy tube provides an alternative feeding site. It may be needed to:

Feed a person who has a hard time swallowing, has appetite problems, or is otherwise unable to eat
Drain the stomach of acid and fluids that have built up due to gastrointestinal problems, such as bowel obstruction due to cancer

Gastric Tube

Possible Complications TOP

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 TOP

Prior to Procedure

Your doctor will likely do the following:

Medical history
Review of medications
Physical exam
Assessment of swallowing ability
Blood and urine tests
X-rays of the abdomen
Upper GI endoscopy —use of a tube with a lighted camera is used to view the inside of the stomach

Leading up to your procedure:

Talk to your doctor about your medications. You may be asked to stop taking some medications up to one week before the procedure.
Avoid food or fluids after midnight before surgery.
Arrange for a ride to and from the hospital.

Anesthesia

General anesthesia will be used. It will block any pain and keep you asleep through the surgery.

Description of the Procedure TOP

If you are unable to undergo PEG, this will be done as an open procedure. In some cases, gastrostomy may be done at the same time as another stomach surgery. An incision will be made through the skin, abdominal wall, and into 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 TOP

The doctor will make sure that the tube is placed correctly. You will be moved to the recovery room and monitored closely.

How Long Will It Take? TOP

At least 1 hour

How Much Will It Hurt? TOP

You will have pain after the surgery. Ask your doctor about medication to help with the pain.

Average Hospital Stay TOP

This procedure is done in a hospital setting. The usual length of stay is several days. Your doctor may choose to keep you longer if complications arise.

Post-procedure Care TOP

After the procedure, you can expect the following:

Depending on your condition, you may need to get nutrition through an IV for the first day or 2 after the tube placement or until your intestine is working normally. You will then be started on clear liquids. You will gradually move to thicker liquids.
Learn how to administer tube feedings. Also, learn how to flush out your tube. This will decrease the risk of blockages.
Learn what to do if you have a serious complication such as a dislodged tube or aspiration.

Call Your Doctor TOP

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
Problems with the tube, including if it becomes dislodged, clogged, or malfunctions; dislodging is most common during the first 2 weeks that the tube is in place
Leaking of feedings around the site of the tube
Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain
Nausea, vomiting, constipation, or abdominal swelling
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.

RESOURCES:

American College of Gastroenterology
http://gi.org

American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
https://www.asge.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Canadian 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 November 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Daus Mahnke, MD
Last Updated: 12/20/2014

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