Gastrostomy (G-tube) procedure factsheet
Introduction
A gastrostomy is a procedure where an opening is made in the stomach to attach a feeding tube. This allows food and medicine to go directly into the stomach.
A child may need a gastrostomy tube if they:
- are unable to eat or drink enough by mouth
- have trouble swallowing safely.
A gastrostomy tube is also known as a G-tube.
聽During the procedure
A gastrostomy procedure involves inserting a device into the stomach in one of four ways:
- through an open surgery
- using a flexible camera called a gastroscope to guide the tube
- through keyhole surgery, known as laparoscopy
- in the X-ray department, with the help of interventional radiologists.
The tube can be a:
- balloon-type catheter
- non-balloon type catheter
- low-profile device, also known as a button.
聽After the procedure
The new button or opening will be covered with a dressing for several days. The dressing will be removed by your child鈥檚 nurse.
Your child's doctor may also stitch the button during the procedure to keep it in place. Your local doctor can remove the stitch one week after the procedure.
Your child鈥檚 stomach may feel sore for a few days. Their doctor can prescribe pain medication to help.
After the procedure, your child will stay in the hospital for 3-5 days. A nurse will show you and your child how to connect the feeding tubes to the button to give formula and medicine. A gastrostomy specialist nurse will also visit to help and answer any questions.
Your child will receive small amounts of clear fluids and formula through the tube using a pump. A dietitian will guide you on the best formula to use and help create a plan to increase the amount your child can have slowly.
EnableNSW and NDIS
You will also receive paperwork to register your child with , which supplies ongoing gastrostomy buttons and feeding equipment. This paperwork can also help you request funding through the .
Speak to your child鈥檚 treatment team for more information.
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Taking care of the gastrostomy device
To keep the gastrostomy device working well, follow the care instructions carefully.
Some other tips include:
- flush the tubing after each use
- use a barrier cream to protect the skin from irritation
- keep the skin clean and dry, and check for any redness or irritation
- once approved by your child鈥檚 care team, turn the button 360 degrees every day
- check the water level in the balloon each month or more often if the button feels loose
- for non-balloon catheters, use a strap to stop it from moving and blocking the stomach
- make sure the device stays in place and doesn鈥檛 get dislodged.
If the device becomes dislodged, contact your child's care team immediately. If a newly inserted device comes out too soon, it must be kept open with another button or catheter to prevent it from closing.
Devices that have been in place longer can usually be replaced with less discomfort. Low-profile devices can be replaced by a trained carer if they become dislodged.
Your child can still swim and play with a gastrostomy device, but they should avoid contact sports.
When to see your doctor
If your child鈥檚 button comes out and you can鈥檛 put it back in, call your local doctor immediately or go to the emergency department. Try to get help within 90 minutes, as the opening can start to close within a few hours.
You should also see a doctor if:
- your child鈥檚 button appears loose after you have checked the water level in the balloon first
- the skin around the button is red and sore
- the skin around the gastrostomy hole becomes raised or starts to bleed
- your child鈥檚 reflux or vomiting becomes worse.
