Gastronomy Tube Care
Supplies Needed
Supplies will be shipped to your home by a Durable Medical Equipment (DME) company
- G-tube (4/year)
- Extension sets (4/month)
- Split gauze
- Tape
- Syringes
Use one extension set per week and wash with warm soapy water between uses. Be sure to call your DME company every month to request a supply shipment.
What is granulation
No need to be alarmed! Granulation tissue is a connective tissue the body forms to heal a wound and may form around the g-tube site. It can look raised, pink and occasionally irritated. Most children are not bothered by this! There are many different forms of treatment we can do to help. Please call your provider if this arises.
How does my child receive nutrition?
- Bolus feeding with a syringe allows the formula to flow quickly into the stomach
- Takes about 15-30 minutes
- Larger amounts in a short period of time
- Compressed feeds are given over a pump that is provided
- Feeds may run over 30 mins-3 hours
- Continuous feeds are given over a pump that is provided
- This may run anywhere from 12-24 hours
FAQS
Is having a tube placed painful?
Most children take Tylenol or Motrin for 24-72 hours.
Can I put medications in the tube?
Yes! Some medications can be crushed and mixed with water. Others cannot and come in a liquid form. Always check with a pharmacist before crushing medications.
Can my child eat by mouth with a tube?
Yes! For some children, tube feedings may be their only source of nutrition and for others it may be a supplement to get their daily caloric goal.
What if the tube falls out?
Cover the site with clean dry gauze and head to the nearest emergency department if you haven’t been taught how to properly replace the tube by a physician.
Why is my child’s tube leaking?
If your child is teething, has a respiratory illness or if the tube is not the right size, the tube may leak.
When can my child take a bath?
Submersion is appropriate 2 weeks after surgery.
Is a G-tube permanent?
No! If your child can provide enough calories to their body via mouth for an extended period and take all required medications by mouth, the G-tube can be removed.
