Gastrostomy Tube...
Use: A tube used to bypass the normal swallowing structures during illness. The tube is usually temporary. Liquids, medications and tube feedings pass through the tube directly into the stomach. No swallowing required.
Description: The tube is approximately 18 inches long. It is the diameter of a straw with a larger opening at one end. The tube is placed in the stomach by a special procedure scheduled by a gastroenterologist or interventional radiologist. The patient is usually admitted over night. The tube will leave the patient sore for several days. A suture will hold the tube in place. This suture will need to be removed approximately one week after the tube was inserted.
Cleaning of skin around the tube.
- Clean around the tube with Hydrogen peroxide and water.
- Dampen 4x4 gauze in peroxide.
- Place the 4x4 against the skin, wipe the skin in a half circle moving away from the tube. Repeat on the opposite side using a new gauze each time. (You want to move germs away from the hole.)
- If the area around the tube is swollen, use a Q-tip soaked in peroxide.
- Place the Q-Tip against the skin, wipe the skin in a half circle moving away from the tube. Repeat with a new Q-tip each time.
- Repeat this process if site has crusting or thick drainage.
- Clean area with 4x4 dampened with saline as above.
- Fold 4x4 gauze pad in half. Place one gauze pad on each side of tube. This will prevent plastic to skin contact.
Cleaning of tube.
- Dampen a 4x4 gauze pad in peroxide.
- Wrap the 4x4 gauze pad around the tube, start near the skin and wipe towards the capped end of the tube. (You want to move germs away from the hole.)
- Repeat several times using new 4x4 gauze each time.
- Dampen 4x4 gauze with saline and wipe tube starting at skin; moving toward the capped end of tube.
- Repeat as needed.
Using your Gastrostomy tube.
- Wash your hands.
- Gather your supplies. (60 cc syringe, tube feeding, water, medications)
- Inspect tubing for leaks and cracks.
- Remove plunger from syringe.
- Remove cap from end of tube.
- Insert syringe into tube. (The tip of the syringe should fit snuggly into the tube.)
- Medications should be melted or crushed into a powder.
- Mix medication with warm water.
- Pour water and medication into tubing.
- Pour tube feeding into tube.
- Raise syringe above the level of the stomach.
- Allow the liquid to drain into the stomach by gravity.
- Repeat this until all feeding and medication is finished.
- Flush tube with approximately 4 oz of water.
- Recap tube.
Trouble Shooting
- If the liquid does not drain down the tube:
- Insert the syringe into the tube.
- Pull back on the plunger.
- Try to pull obstruction into syringe.
- Flush tube gently.
- Repeat process 2-3 times.
- If obstruction clears, continue to use the tube.
- If obstructions does not clear, call the office.
- The tube is draining slower than normal
- Try to flush tube with water using plunger in the syringe.
- Pour coke or other carbonated beverage into tube. (The acid and the carbonation in the soda will dissolve build-up in the tube.)
- Flush with water.
- Remember, always flush the tube with water after using the tube for anything.
- The tube is leaking or broken.
- Wrap tape around the hole.
- Call the doctor’s office immediately. (Having a tube changed can take several days to schedule.)
- Do not force liquids down the tube.
- The cap broke off the end of my tube.
- Call the doctor’s office; the tube will need to be changed.
- Changing the tube may take several days; it is a hospital procedure that must be scheduled. You will go home the same day normally.
- What can I pour down my tube?
- Only pour liquids down the tube.
- Ask your doctor to prescribe all medications in liquid form. (When calling the office for refills, please ask for liquid)
- If the medication only comes in pill form; dissolve pills in warm water or crush to a fine powder.
- If the pill only comes in a capsule, open the capsule and dissolve granules in water. (If the granules do not dissolve, call the pharmacy to see if another drug can be use.)
- If the pill has a coating on the outside. Crush the pill and remove the coating from the powder. Add to water and pour into tube.
- Soup can be given through the tube. It must be the thickness of broth. Drain any vegetables, noodles and meat from the broth before pouring into the tube.
- Juice, milk and carbonated beverages can be given through the tube. Remember to flush the tube with water after each use.
- Remember to get your prescribed medications and tube feedings in first. Then feel free to supplement other food as needed. (Just keep it LIQUID)
- If you have questions concerning your tube, call the office of the doctor that put it in or call our office.
