|
A feeding tube is a temporary or permanent bypass of the throat and esophagus. This tube can be inserted in the outpatient GI centers or during surgery. It is a tube about 12 inches long (lengths vary) and the diameter of a pencil. It is inserted into the stomach by a small puncture through the skin and the stomach wall. It is held in place by an umbrella shaped flange inside the stomach and a small circular flange outside the skin. The stomach naturally secretes mucus to coat the stomach lining to protect it from digesting acids. You may notice this mucus seeping around the feeding tube. It is perfectly normal to see yellow mucus on your feeding tube dressing. However, if the drainage turns green and or you run fever, contact your physician. Because the mucus keeps the skin moist, it may become red and irritated. If this becomes uncomfortable, use diaper rash cream on the skin around the tube. Zinc Oxide in the cream protects and heals areas that are red or broken. Generic brands are as effective as name brands and they are found in the baby section. |
PEG tubes/Feeding Tubes