What Is A Gastrostomy Tube (G-tube)?
When a person is having difficulties in swallowing food or other nutritions by mouth, a Gastrostomy Tube (G-tube) is inserted through the abdomen that delivers essential nutrition directly to the stomach. It is one of the ways the doctors make sure that the patient who has trouble eating gets sufficient fluid and calories they need. It is a surgically placed device that a surgeon puts during a short procedure called a Gastrostomy. Patients who have Gastrostomy can get back to their normal activities after spending 1 or 2 days in the hospitals.
Home Care For Gastrostomy Tube (G-tube)
It is important to take proper care of G-tube to prevent infection and other severe complications. Depending on the type of gastrostomy procedure a person had, the G-tube attached to the stomach with a stitch can heal in about 3 weeks. Since the person receives daily nutrition through the G-tube, it is important to check the tube regularly. Make sure it is attached properly and is working in good condition. It reduces the risks of complications.
In this guide, we are explaining how to care for the G-tube at home. Keep reading:
Step 1- Cleaning The Gastrostomy Site/ G-Tube Area
Before cleaning the G-Tube area, make sure to:
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before and after cleaning the G-Tube site.
- If any type of dressing is used to protect the skin, remove and discard it.
Note - Sometimes Bedside wound care services use a suitable dressing around the tube to cover the skin for a few days after the surgery. After that, dressing is not necessary. However, it is recommended to consult with your surgeon whether to remove it and how to do it correctly.
- Take a clean washcloth or cotton balls and gently wash the skin around the tube insertion site 1 to 3 times a day with soap and warm water.
- Clean whenever there is leakage around the tube.
- Dry the skin properly after every wish to avoid skin irritation and breakdown.
- Gently adjust the external bolster and clean all surrounding areas carefully. Make sure not to put too much pressure on the tube and external bolster.
Step 2 - Check For Signs Of Infections
It is highly advised to check the tube regularly to recognize any signs of infection such as:
- Fever
- Redness & warmth
- Bad odor
- Pain or discomfort around the tube
- Drainage etc.
If a patient notices any of these signs, it may require extra medical attention & treatment by wound care experts. Avoid using alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to clean the skin or creams, sprays, etc. It may be irritating.
Step 3 - Protecting Tube
Avoid pulling G-Tube and make sure it is properly attached. Tuck the tube carefully into clothing or use medical tape under the supervision of doctors to pin it up inside the clothing. Consult with the surgeons on cleaning and taping the tube, they will guide & instruct caretakers properly.
Step 4 - Flushing the Tube
- Flush the tube with 5-15 CCs of water before and after feeding the patient.
- Fill the syringe with water only and avoid putting any other fluid or cleanser to wash it.
- Contact your doctor in case of any inconveniences. They will give you instructions about the amount of water to use.
- If the patient receives nutrition overnight, make sure to flush the tube every 8 hours.
Step 5 - Venting the Tube
In case if the patient is uncomfortable or bloated from excessive fluid or gas in the stomach, it is important to remove extra air or fluid from the tube. Consult with the Wound Care Surgeons and follow the instructions. To vent the tube:
- Open the port
- Attract a syringe to the port to measure the fluid to be drained from the stomach.
- Note down the amount and use a special syringe to take out the fluid.
- Detach the port and close when the gas is removed.
Bathing With the Tube
- It is important to wash around the G-Tube with a washcloth, soap, and warm water.
- Avoid hot water as it can irritate the skin.
- Dry the skin well after bathing
- Follow the surgeon's instructions while cleaning the tube.
Feeding with the Tube
- The liquids or formula in the G-Tube bag should be discussed with the doctor's team.
- Always use the prescribed formula.
- Make sure to change the feeding bag every 24 hours and clean all equipment with hot water and mild soap.
- The food must be kept at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
- If a patient feels hungry even after feeding, inform doctors about increasing the amount of food.
- Flush the G-Tube before and after feeding to prevent blockage.
Medications
- Usually, liquid medicines are prescribed. In the case of pills or tablets, check with the doctor to open the capsule, and dissolve the powder with enough water to make a liquid.
- Only one medication is prescribed at a time and make sure to give water between each medicine.
When to Call Wound Care experts?
If a person with a feeding tube notices any of these symptoms, they need to schedule a bedside appointment with the wound care team:
- Blockage in the tube
- Signs of infection
- Unable to replace the tube
- Bleeding around the tube
- Constipation
- Repeated vomiting after feeding
- Abdominal pain etc.
