What is a
gastrostomy tube?
A gastrostomy tube is a flexible plastic hollow tube placed into the
stomach through the skin overlying the stomach. The purpose of
gastrostomy is to provide a way to give patients food and
medications.
When is a gastrostomy tube necessary?
Gastrostomy tubes are necessary and should be considered when
patients can not swallow normally or safely for prolonged periods of
time.
How is a gastrostomy tube placed into a
patient?
The gastrostomy tube is insertion is a surgical procedure done
either in the operating room or at the patient's bedside with a
special type of endoscope called a gastroscope.
The gastrostomy performed in the operating room requires general
anesthesia. The operating surgeon places the gastrostomy tube
directly into the stomach after making an opening in the skin
overlying the stomach. The gastrostomy performed at the patient's
bedside involves the use of an endoscope, a lighted flexible tube
that is inserted through the mouth into the stomach. The endoscope
enables the doctor to see whatever is at the end of the flexible
tube. The patient receives sedation plus a local anesthetic. The
gastrostomy tube is inserted through the skin into the stomach while
the doctor is looking into the stomach through the endoscope. After
the gastrostomy tube is placed, if the patient has a nasogastric or
feeding tube, they may be removed.
Does a gastrostomy tube hurt?
Whether the gastrostomy tube is placed into the patient in the
operating room or at the patient's bedside, medications are given to
prevent the patient from feeling pain during the procedure. After
the gastrostomy tube is in place it may be sore for a short period
of time. Usually it does not hurt and most patients do not realize
that it is there.
Are there any potential complications
associated with a gastrostomy and G tube?
Complications associated with the gastrostomy tube insertion include
bleeding, infection, and improper tube placement.
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Gastrostomy Tube (G Tube) (Stomach
tube)
