What is Gastrostomy Tube Replacement
Gastrostomy tube replacement is a procedure to change the tube that goes into your stomach. This may be a planned procedure, or it may be an emergency procedure if your tube has come out or is not working.
Tell a health care provider about:
- Any allergies you have.
- All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
- Any problems you or family members have had with anesthetic medicines.
- Any blood disorders you have.
- Any surgeries you have had.
- Any medical conditions you have.
What are the risks?
Generally, this is a safe procedure. However, problems can occur and include:
- Bleeding.
- Infection.
- Leaking.
What happens before the procedure?
- Let your health care provider know how long you have had your gastrostomy tube. If your tube has been in place for less than two weeks, you may need another surgical placement procedure, not just a replacement.
- If your tube has come out at home, bring the tube with you so your health care provider can see the type you are using.
What happens during the procedure?
- You may be given a medicine that numbs the insertion area (local anesthetic).
- If your gastrostomy tube is partially displaced, or is in place but not working, it will be removed.
- If you have an inflatable tube, your health care provider may deflate the balloon at the end of the tube with a syringe.
- Your health care provider will apply pressure to your belly as the tube is pulled out. Then the health care provider will gently probe the opening of your gastrostomy to check it.
- The opening for the gastrostomy tube may be lubricated with a jelly-like ointment.
- You will get a new tube.
- If the new tube does not go in easily, you may have a smaller tube put in to keep the track open.
- The new tube will be secured in place.
What happens after the procedure?
You may have an X-ray to make sure the new tube is in the right place and is working well. To do this, your health care provider will put a liquid that shows up on X-rays through the tube. The X-ray checks that the fluid is not leaking outside of your stomach.
Gastrostomy Tube Replacement, Care After
Refer to this sheet in the next few weeks. These instructions provide you with information on caring for yourself after your procedure. Your health care provider may also give you more specific instructions. Your treatment has been planned according to current medical practices, but problems sometimes occur. Call your health care provider if you have any problems or questions after your procedure.
What can I expect after the procedure?
After your procedure, it is typical to have the following:
- Mild abdominal pain.
- A small amount of blood-tinged fluid leaking from the replacement site.
Follow these instructions at home:
- You may resume your normal level of activity.
- You may resume your normal feedings.
- Care for your gastrostomy tube as you did before, or as directed by your health care provider.
Contact a health care provider if:
- You have a fever or chills.
- You have redness or irritation near the insertion site.
- You continue to have abdominal pain or leaking around your gastrostomy tube.
Get help right away if:
- You develop bleeding or significant discharge around the tube.
- You have severe abdominal pain.
- Your new tube does not seem to be working properly.
- You are unable to get feedings into the tube.
- Your tube comes out for any reason.
