Gastrostomy feeding tube insertion is often done through the mouth, by a procedure called endoscopy. Before the tube is inserted, numbing medicine is applied on the area and the patient is given sleep medicines through a vein.
This procedure can also be done surgically while the patient is under general anesthesia (asleep and pain-free) A small, flexible, hollow tube with a balloon or special tip is inserted into the stomach through small cut on the left side of the bellly area. The surgeon uses stitches to close the stomach around the tube, as well as the cut.
Indications:
Gastrostomy feeding tubes are put in for different reasons. They may be needed for a short while or permanently. This procedure may be recommended for:
Babies with birth defects of the mouth, esophagus, or stomach (for example, esophageal atresia or tracheal esophageal fistula )
Patients who cannot swallow correctly
Patients who cannot take enough food by mouth to stay healthy
Patients who often breath in food when eating
Risks:
Risks for any anesthesia are:
Reactions to medications
Problems breathing
Risks for surgical or endoscopic feeding tube insertion are:
Bleeding
Infection
Expectations after surgery:
This is most often a simple surgery with a good outlook.
Convalescence:
The stomach and abdomen will heal in 5 to 7 days. Moderate pain can be treated with medications. Feedings will start slowly with clear liquids, and increase slowly.
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 the stomach through the tube
How and what to feed through the tube
How to hide the tube under clothing
What normal activities can be continued
Review Date: 5/8/2008 Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
