When a patient has suffered a stroke or other condition which affects the ability to swallow, it may be necessary to insert a gastric feeding tube. These devices are surgically installed in such a way that allows nourishment to be delivered directly to the stomach through a small abdominal incision. G tube feeding can safely be used for premature infants through to elderly dementia patients.
Not only is the g-tube effective as a means of providing nutrition to the body, but it also lowers the incidence of aspiration pneumonia. It can be used alone as the only form of feeding, or to supplement an oral diet. Comatose patients are often fed in this manner.
A wide range of disorders can affect the swallowing reflex and the action of the esophagus. The paralysis resulting from a stroke, degenerative illnesses such as ALS, and certain forms of cancer of the head or neck can all justify the use of this device. This enteral feeding method prevents malnutrition which would otherwise result from such conditions.
Gastric tubes can be used temporarily as indicated, or for a long-term condition. They are generally made from polyurethane or silicone, with a diameter which is measured in French units, of which one is equal to 0.33 millimeters. Some are long and look similar to a catheter, while the "button" style consists of a set of detachable extensions. These devices may last up to 3 years, or they may need replacing sooner in some cases.
Insertion of this device may be done using a technique known as a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. A local anesthetic can be used with this latter approach, and the patient is also sedated. An endoscope is used to visualize the inside of the stomach and guide the placement of the device which is held in place with a special balloon-tip or retention dome, and then pulled out through a small incision in the abdominal wall. This procedure can be completed in about 30 minutes.
The patient will receive intravenous and possibly oral antibiotics as a prophylactic measure against infection. Drainage from the site for the first day or two following surgery is normal. The incision will be protected with gauze dressing, which will be changed regularly. When the area has healed, the patient will need to carefully wash the area with soap and water every day.
A dietitian will assess the patient's nutritional needs in terms of the required amount of calories, fluids, minerals, and vitamins. The patient will then be provided with the name of a ready-to-use formula or instructed as to how it can be prepared. Formula is fed into the device using either a pump or syringe, and it may be given as a bolus feeding in larger volumes at mealtimes, or as a continuous drip.
The use and care of the gastric tube will be fully explained to the patient by a doctor, nurse, or dietitian. Initial discomfort may be experienced for a few days following insertion, but this can usually be controlled with analgesics. In the event that a problem arises such as a blockage, excessive drainage, or expulsion of the tube, the patient must immediately contact his or her primary caregiver.
Not only is the g-tube effective as a means of providing nutrition to the body, but it also lowers the incidence of aspiration pneumonia. It can be used alone as the only form of feeding, or to supplement an oral diet. Comatose patients are often fed in this manner.
A wide range of disorders can affect the swallowing reflex and the action of the esophagus. The paralysis resulting from a stroke, degenerative illnesses such as ALS, and certain forms of cancer of the head or neck can all justify the use of this device. This enteral feeding method prevents malnutrition which would otherwise result from such conditions.
Gastric tubes can be used temporarily as indicated, or for a long-term condition. They are generally made from polyurethane or silicone, with a diameter which is measured in French units, of which one is equal to 0.33 millimeters. Some are long and look similar to a catheter, while the "button" style consists of a set of detachable extensions. These devices may last up to 3 years, or they may need replacing sooner in some cases.
Insertion of this device may be done using a technique known as a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. A local anesthetic can be used with this latter approach, and the patient is also sedated. An endoscope is used to visualize the inside of the stomach and guide the placement of the device which is held in place with a special balloon-tip or retention dome, and then pulled out through a small incision in the abdominal wall. This procedure can be completed in about 30 minutes.
The patient will receive intravenous and possibly oral antibiotics as a prophylactic measure against infection. Drainage from the site for the first day or two following surgery is normal. The incision will be protected with gauze dressing, which will be changed regularly. When the area has healed, the patient will need to carefully wash the area with soap and water every day.
A dietitian will assess the patient's nutritional needs in terms of the required amount of calories, fluids, minerals, and vitamins. The patient will then be provided with the name of a ready-to-use formula or instructed as to how it can be prepared. Formula is fed into the device using either a pump or syringe, and it may be given as a bolus feeding in larger volumes at mealtimes, or as a continuous drip.
The use and care of the gastric tube will be fully explained to the patient by a doctor, nurse, or dietitian. Initial discomfort may be experienced for a few days following insertion, but this can usually be controlled with analgesics. In the event that a problem arises such as a blockage, excessive drainage, or expulsion of the tube, the patient must immediately contact his or her primary caregiver.
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