Gastrostomy tube

Gastrostomy tube (also known as a G-tube) is a tube inserted through the abdomen that delivers nutrition directly to the stomach. They are used in patients for whom oral feeding is not adequate.

Indications

Gastrostomy tubes are used in patients who have a functional gastrointestinal tract but who are unable to ingest enough nutrients orally. This can be due to reasons such as:

• Neurological disorders that cause dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
• Congenital anomalies of the upper gastrointestinal tract
• Surgery of the head, neck, or esophagus
• Certain metabolic disorders
• Severe reflux in infants

Procedure

The procedure for placing a gastrostomy tube usually involves the following steps:

1. The patient is given a local anesthetic and a sedative.
2. A small incision is made in the abdomen.
3. The stomach is inflated with air to allow it to be seen more easily.
4. The tube is inserted through the incision and into the stomach.
5. The tube is secured in place.

Complications

Possible complications of gastrostomy tube placement include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Dislodgement or blockage of the tube
• Injury to surrounding organs
• Problems related to the skin around the tube

Aftercare

After a gastrostomy tube is placed, it will need to be cleaned daily. The patient or caregiver will also need to learn how to use the tube for feeding and giving medications.

See also

• Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy
• Feeding tube
• Enteral nutrition

Gastrostomy tube Resources
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