GASTROSTOMY TUBE FEEDING

The gastrostomy or G-tube is a feeding tube that goes through the skin and abdominal wall and allows liquid nutrition and medications to be administered directly into the stomach.

benifit of G-tube-

 G- tubes provide a route to deliver nutrition and medication to those who are having difficulty swallowing or cannot take enough food by mouth.
 G- tubes help prevent weight loss,maintain nutritional status and minimize risk of aspiration.
 Individuals with cancer,ALS or those who have had a stroke or trauma often required G tubes.
 Oral intake is encouraged even after G tube insertion.
 G- tubes can provide liquid nutrition formulas as either a sole source of nutrition or to supplement oral intake.

how are G-tube inseted ? -

 G- tubes may be placed by gastroenterology or interventional radiology.Gastroenterology will insert a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube or PEG tube using an endoscope which travels through the mouth down the esophagus and into the stomach.


 G- tubes can be inserted on an inpatient or outpatient basis. Before your G- tube is inserted, you'll be advised not to have anything to eat for midnight before the night of the procedure.


Following tube insertion, you'll be instructed to either drink clear fluids such as water or apple juice or be provided with IV fluids to maintain hydration.


Following an abdominal examination by your physician you'll be able to begin using the G- tube and resume oral intake of regular solid foods if appropriate. 


how are G- tube removed - If swallowing function improves or risk of aspiration is minimized transitions  can be made back to oral intake.


Tubes can be removed and the removal procedure will vary depending on the method of insertion.

how do i care for my G -tube? -

Clean the skin under the tab and around the tube every day with a Q-tip dipped in normal saline.
Imagine the Q-tip is an arm on a clock and clean in a clockwise manner around the tube. 
When you're in the shower clean the skin around the tube with a mild soap and water and ensure that you dry the area completely when you're done.
Do not take baths and gauze dressing is not necessary unless you're having drainage from the tube site.
Clean the tube and stoma site daily.
Wash your hands thoroughly before completing any tube checks and ensure that you're gently lifting the sides of the tube to examine the skin around the area.
Signs of infection include fever, redness, tenderness and any discharge that may be discolored or foul-smelling.
 Secure the free end of the tube with tape on the abdomen or with a stretch gauze band.
Check to see if the mark on your skin is at the same point as it was when it was initially placed.
Do not pull on the tube because it can dislodge.


feeding -

There are two methods that can be utilized when feeding through the G -tube:

syringe feeding
feeding by gravity.

Remember to sit in an upright position during feeding and for 30 to 45 minutes after feeding to prevent regurgitation.

1] feeding by gravity -

steps-

wash your hands thoroughly. 
fill the syringe with 60 millimetres of lukewarm water.
Strain out the feeding tube and check tube placement.
The mark on the tube should be the same place as when is was placed initially.
Hold the tube above stomach height or pinch the tube and open the stopper or tube tip.
Place the tip of the syringe into the end of your feeding tube and plunge the water through the tube.
Cap the tube tip. 

Now you're ready to set up your feeding set. 

procedure -

shake the formula well. Make sure you wipe off the top of the formula can with a clean damp paper towel and don't forget to check the can for the expiration date.
Close the roller clamp so this mean you'll be rolling the clamp down on the feeling set.
Pour the desire amount of formula into the bag and hang it above head level.
Remove the plastic cover from the tip of the feeding set an insert the tip of the feeling set into your feeding tube.
Open the roller clamp,so roll it up, to start the feeding.
 You can adjust the rate that the feed runs through by opening and closing the ruler clamps.
simply roll it up or down to slow down or speed up the rate.
At the end of feeding, close the roller clamp and disconnect the feeding set from the feeding tube.
Finally flush your tube with 60 millimetres of lukewarm water and close the feeding tube.

2] feeding with syringe - 

Open the tube tip and place the tip of the syringe into the end of your feeding tube and slowly push the formula in.
Refill the syringe until you've used thedesired amount of feed.
After feeding, run another 60 milliliters of lukewarm through the tube to flush
it clear.
Hold the tip above stomach level or pinch the tube and disconnect the
syringe from the tube.
Close your feeding tube.

                                                                 thank you..!