Gastrostomy Tubes

Gastrostomy Tubes (G-tubes) are a type of enteral feeding tube that is inserted through the abdominal wall and into the stomach. They are used to provide nutrition to patients who are unable to consume food by mouth, either temporarily or permanently.

The procedure to insert a gastrostomy tube is called a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) procedure, which is done by a trained gastroenterologist or surgeon. The procedure is typically done under sedation or general anesthesia, and a small incision is made in the abdomen to access the stomach. A tube is then passed through the incision and into the stomach, and the tube is anchored in place with a retention device.

G-tubes are commonly used for long-term enteral feeding for patients with conditions such as:

• Neurological disorders that affect swallowing, such as spinal cord injury, stroke, or brain injury
• Cancer patients who have difficulty swallowing due to the treatment or the disease
• Patients with chronic respiratory disease that make it hard for them to eat
• Patients with gastrointestinal disorders that prevent them from absorbing nutrients from food

Gastrostomy tubes are designed to be used for a specific period of time and they are typically replaced on a regular basis to ensure proper hygiene and to avoid complications.