Gastrostomy Tube (G-Tube) Overview

Purpose of a G-Tube

• Administers nutrients, medication, and fluids directly into the stomach.
• Necessary for children who cannot intake sufficient nutrition orally or eat safely.

Placement of a G-Tube

• Procedure: Laparoscopic surgery involving a small camera (scope) and surgical tool.
• Location: Inserted through the abdominal wall into the stomach.
• Description:
  • Minimally invasive; typically takes about one hour.
  • Conducted under general anesthesia.
  • Small incision near the belly button for the camera in newborns and infants.
  • An additional incision for the surgical tool.
  • Stomach is gently pulled to the abdominal wall and secured with sutures.

Procedure Differences by Age

• Newborns/Infants: Only a small incision near the belly button.
• Older Children: An endoscope is used to see inside the stomach, inflate it with air to position it against the abdominal wall.

Use of T-Fasteners

• May be used to secure the stomach against the abdominal wall.
• Look like buttons, removed after a period.

G-Tube Insertion

• A small hole (stoma) is made in the stomach for tube insertion.
• Types of tubes: Skin-level button or long tube (can be replaced with a button later).
• Tube is secured in place with sutures and bandaged.

Post-Surgery Care

• Hospital stay overnight for monitoring.
• Medication can often be administered through the G-tube post-surgery.
• Pain management with Tylenol or Ibuprofen for 24-72 hours.
• Tube is ready for feeding 4-12 hours post-surgery.
• Oral eating can resume if previously allowed.
• Instructions provided for G-tube usage and care before discharge.

Post-Surgery Activity Restrictions

• Light activities like crawling and walking in the first week.
• Normal activities can be resumed after the first week.
• Showering or sponge bathing permitted 24 hours post-surgery.
• Avoid swimming or soaking the surgical site for 10 days.

Healing and Follow-Up

• Incisions typically heal within 1-2 weeks.
• T-fasteners or special sutures removed usually within a week.

Additional Support

• Contact the medical team for questions and further information.
• Resources available via phone or website.

This summary provides a high-level overview of the g-tube procedure, care, and post-operative expectations.