When a patient has suffered a stroke or other condition which affects the ability to swallow, it may be necessary to insert a gastric feeding tube. These devices are surgically installed in such a way that allows nourishment to be delivered directly to the stomach through a small abdominal incision. G tube feeding can safely be used for premature infants through to elderly dementia patients.
In addition to nourishing the body, these devices can also help minimize the incidence of aspiration pneumonia. It can be used alone as the sole method of feeding, or along with a regular diet as a supplement. Unconscious patients requiring enteral feeding, are often fed using this system.
There are many conditions which can affect the action of the esophagus and swallowing reflex. Cancers of the head and neck, degenerative neuromuscular disorders such as ALS, and the paralysis which can result from a stroke are some examples. The use of this device helps prevent malnutrition that would develop due to the inability to chew and swallow.
Gastric tubes can be used temporarily as indicated, or for a long-term condition. They are generally made from polyurethane or silicone, with a diameter which is measured in French units, of which one is equal to 0.33 millimeters. Some are long and look similar to a catheter, while the "button" style consists of a set of detachable extensions. These devices may last up to 3 years, or they may need replacing sooner in some cases.
There are several surgical approaches which may be used to insert this device into the stomach, but the simplest is the percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. This procedure typically takes about 30 minutes to complete, and can be done using a local anesthetic. Using an endoscope, the surgeon directs the device and visualizing the inside of the stomach, chooses the best location to secure it. The device is then guided out through a small incision in the abdomen.
Antibiotics will be administered to help prevent infection at the site of the tube's insertion. It is normal to experience some drainage at the incision site for the first two days after surgery. The area will be protected by gauze dressing that will be changed as needed. Once the incision has healed, it will be necessary to gently wash it each day using soap and water.
A dietitian will assess the patient's nutritional needs in terms of the required amount of calories, fluids, minerals, and vitamins. The patient will then be provided with the name of a ready-to-use formula or instructed as to how it can be prepared. Formula is fed into the device using either a pump or syringe, and it may be given as a bolus feeding in larger volumes at mealtimes, or as a continuous drip.
The patient will learn everything they need to know about the use and care of the g-tube from a dietitian, nurse, or doctor. Mild discomfort may be experienced at the insertion site for a few days, but this can normally be kept under control with some over-the-counter pain-relievers. Contacting one's immediate caregiver is imperative if the tube comes, appears to be blocked, or has excessive drainage.
In addition to nourishing the body, these devices can also help minimize the incidence of aspiration pneumonia. It can be used alone as the sole method of feeding, or along with a regular diet as a supplement. Unconscious patients requiring enteral feeding, are often fed using this system.
There are many conditions which can affect the action of the esophagus and swallowing reflex. Cancers of the head and neck, degenerative neuromuscular disorders such as ALS, and the paralysis which can result from a stroke are some examples. The use of this device helps prevent malnutrition that would develop due to the inability to chew and swallow.
Gastric tubes can be used temporarily as indicated, or for a long-term condition. They are generally made from polyurethane or silicone, with a diameter which is measured in French units, of which one is equal to 0.33 millimeters. Some are long and look similar to a catheter, while the "button" style consists of a set of detachable extensions. These devices may last up to 3 years, or they may need replacing sooner in some cases.
There are several surgical approaches which may be used to insert this device into the stomach, but the simplest is the percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. This procedure typically takes about 30 minutes to complete, and can be done using a local anesthetic. Using an endoscope, the surgeon directs the device and visualizing the inside of the stomach, chooses the best location to secure it. The device is then guided out through a small incision in the abdomen.
Antibiotics will be administered to help prevent infection at the site of the tube's insertion. It is normal to experience some drainage at the incision site for the first two days after surgery. The area will be protected by gauze dressing that will be changed as needed. Once the incision has healed, it will be necessary to gently wash it each day using soap and water.
A dietitian will assess the patient's nutritional needs in terms of the required amount of calories, fluids, minerals, and vitamins. The patient will then be provided with the name of a ready-to-use formula or instructed as to how it can be prepared. Formula is fed into the device using either a pump or syringe, and it may be given as a bolus feeding in larger volumes at mealtimes, or as a continuous drip.
The patient will learn everything they need to know about the use and care of the g-tube from a dietitian, nurse, or doctor. Mild discomfort may be experienced at the insertion site for a few days, but this can normally be kept under control with some over-the-counter pain-relievers. Contacting one's immediate caregiver is imperative if the tube comes, appears to be blocked, or has excessive drainage.
