What is Gastrostomy Care?

Feeding tubes can be placed surgically, endoscopically, or radiographically. Gastrostomy tube insertion is a surgical operation that involves inserting a feeding tube through the skin and into the stomach. For decades, surgical gastrostomy was the cornerstone of direct enteral feeding access. The introduction of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) in 1980 altered the method to gastrostomy access substantially, and this minimally invasive procedure mainly supplanted surgical gastrostomy.

• a surgical procedure of inserting an enterostomal tube into the stomach.
• jejunostomy when inserted in the jejunum

Gastrostomy Procedure

Surgical Gastrostomy vs PEG

Surgical Gastrostomy

• for planned multiple gastric procedures.
• presence of esophageal obstruction or colonic interposition between stomach and abdominal wall.

PEG - Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy

• less expensive and time efficient.

Indications

• long term nutritional support
• enteral access for medications
• bowel obstruction
• gastrointestinal or biliary interventions

Contraindications

• Gastric varices
• Recent abdominal surgery
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Ascites

Types of Gastrostomy Tube

• Endoscopically and radiologically placed tubes
• Surgically placed tubes
• Replacement tubes

Gastrostomy Tube Care

Routine Care

• Ensure that the external bolster is positioned properly
• Maintaining a clean gastrostomy site
• Flushing the tube to prevent clogging.

Gastrostomy tube removal

Complications