G tube overview
What Is a G-Tube?
Some people have medical problems that make it hard for them to get enough nutrition by mouth. A gastrostomy tube (also called a G-tube) is a tube inserted through the belly that brings nutrition directly to the stomach. It's one of the ways doctors can make sure kids who have trouble eating get the fluid and calories they need.
A surgeon puts in a G-tube during a short procedure called a gastrostomy. The G-tube can stay in place for as long as a child needs it.
People who have had a gastrostomy (ga-STROSS-teh-mee) can get back to their normal activities fairly quickly after they have healed.
When should it be considered?
When an individual cannot chew properly due to dystonia
It may become too hard to eat or eating takes too long
When an individual is choking or having difficulty with eating, drinking or swallowing
When an individual has had, or is at risk of having, aspiration pneumonia
When an individual is not gaining weight or keeping weight on and needs extra calories
A G-tube should be considered when an individual is headed towards weight and nutrition loss
It should be placed before too much weight is lost
It may be better to do it early rather than having to consider it during a crisis time
What effect will it have on quality of life?
G-tube feedings can be used to replace all oral feedings
In some cases, the tube only supplements what an individual eats by mouth
If an individual can’t chew well or just needs extra calories, they can still eat some things by mouth and use the G-tube to satisfy the rest of their nutritional needs
If chewing is difficult, they can still eat things like ice cream or pudding by mouth
Having a tube can make some individuals feel self-conscious
They can consider replacing the tube with a button, which is more discrete
A button is like a stopper that can be opened and closed for feedings as needed
Are there any side effects or cons?
If not cared for properly, the gastrostomy site can become infected and/or irritated
It must be kept clean and dry
Hands must be washed before touching the tube or site of insertion
Having a G-tube can sometimes decrease quality of life
It causes a significant change in the individual and/or their family’s daily life
Sometimes feedings by G-tube have to be done in public
It can cause challenges during travel or vacations
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