G tubes are an important tool in the managing of people that have a problem with the upper gastrointestinal tract. They are designed to be fitted through the anterior abdominal wall so that contents are emptied directly into the stomach. Several different types of the tube exist the commonest being what is referred to as the PEG or percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube in full. You need to understand a number of important things when dealing with g tube feeding.
The commonest reason for the use of this device in patients is inability to swallow. This may be as a result of obstructing tumors, neuromuscular disorders or illnesses that result in a reduction in the level of consciousness. Such persons need enteral feeding to reduce their risk of suffering from aspiration pneumonia. The treatment is also recommended for persons that are at a risk of suffering from malnutrition due to reduce oral intake.
Placing the tube is done as a day case. There is very little in terms of preparation that is required. The endoscope is guided into the abdominal cavity using its powerful light source as an indicator of position. Once in position, a suture is fixed to what will be the external end of the tube. This suture is used to fix the tube onto the abdominal wall. To keep the device in position, a balloon located near the end is inflated.
The use of the tubes in children is fairly common. Most are inserted to help supplement the diet of a child who may not be getting enough through the oral route. The other reason for their use in children is to provide nutritional support until when they are able to feed on their own. In general, the success rate associated with the use of the device in children has been very high.
You need to look out for several complications that may be seen when these devices are used. One of those that are frequently encountered is the leakage of stomach contents which contain hydrochloric acid. The acid has the potential to irritate the peritoneum and cause a serious condition known as peritonitis. Peritonitis is a potentially fatal condition and requires prompt surgical intervention.
Your doctor or nurse will give you instructions about how to use the devices before you leave the hospital. If you have any doubts about what to do confirm from the manual. Apart from the device, you will also need a 60 cc syringe, a clean container for holding the food, the prescribed liquid food and a measuring cup. The device should be flushed sing clean water every time it is used. This exercise reduces the chances of clogging.
The design of most of these devices is such that they can be easily changed in the home setting. This is often required if the tube is to be used for a long period of time due to the effects of wear and tear. Changing may also be needed when the lumen gets clogged. If the skin around the device gets irritated, use a barrier cream to minimize the irritation.
Gastric feeding tubes are an effective way of ensuring persons that have a problem feeding get the required nutrition. Some are used as a temporary solution while others are placed indefinitely. Although most are very easy to fit and replace, there are a number of complications that may be encountered. Make a point of talking to your doctor if you suspect that the device has a problem.
The commonest reason for the use of this device in patients is inability to swallow. This may be as a result of obstructing tumors, neuromuscular disorders or illnesses that result in a reduction in the level of consciousness. Such persons need enteral feeding to reduce their risk of suffering from aspiration pneumonia. The treatment is also recommended for persons that are at a risk of suffering from malnutrition due to reduce oral intake.
Placing the tube is done as a day case. There is very little in terms of preparation that is required. The endoscope is guided into the abdominal cavity using its powerful light source as an indicator of position. Once in position, a suture is fixed to what will be the external end of the tube. This suture is used to fix the tube onto the abdominal wall. To keep the device in position, a balloon located near the end is inflated.
The use of the tubes in children is fairly common. Most are inserted to help supplement the diet of a child who may not be getting enough through the oral route. The other reason for their use in children is to provide nutritional support until when they are able to feed on their own. In general, the success rate associated with the use of the device in children has been very high.
You need to look out for several complications that may be seen when these devices are used. One of those that are frequently encountered is the leakage of stomach contents which contain hydrochloric acid. The acid has the potential to irritate the peritoneum and cause a serious condition known as peritonitis. Peritonitis is a potentially fatal condition and requires prompt surgical intervention.
Your doctor or nurse will give you instructions about how to use the devices before you leave the hospital. If you have any doubts about what to do confirm from the manual. Apart from the device, you will also need a 60 cc syringe, a clean container for holding the food, the prescribed liquid food and a measuring cup. The device should be flushed sing clean water every time it is used. This exercise reduces the chances of clogging.
The design of most of these devices is such that they can be easily changed in the home setting. This is often required if the tube is to be used for a long period of time due to the effects of wear and tear. Changing may also be needed when the lumen gets clogged. If the skin around the device gets irritated, use a barrier cream to minimize the irritation.
Gastric feeding tubes are an effective way of ensuring persons that have a problem feeding get the required nutrition. Some are used as a temporary solution while others are placed indefinitely. Although most are very easy to fit and replace, there are a number of complications that may be encountered. Make a point of talking to your doctor if you suspect that the device has a problem.
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