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PEG tube insertion - discharge

Gastrostomy tube insertion-discharge; G-tube insertion-discharge; PEG tube insertion-discharge; Stomach tube insertion-discharge; Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube insertion-discharge

A PEG (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy) feeding tube insertion is the placement of a feeding tube through the skin and the stomach wall. It goes directly into the stomach. PEG feeding tube insertion is done in part using a procedure called endoscopy.

Feeding tubes are needed when you are unable to eat or drink. This may be due to stroke or other brain injury, problems with the esophagus, surgery of the head and neck, or other conditions.

Your PEG tube is easy to use. You (or your caregiver) can learn to care for it on your own and even give yourself tube feedings.

Presentation

Gastrostomy tube placement - series

I Would Like to Learn About:

About PEG Tubes

Here are the important parts of your PEG tube:

After you have had your gastrostomy for a while and the stoma is established, something called a button device can be used. These make feedings and care easier.

The tube itself will have a mark that shows where it should be leaving the stoma. You can use this mark whenever you need to confirm the tube is in the correct position.

What you Will Need to Know

Things you or your caregivers will need to learn include:

Feedings will start slowly with clear liquids, and increase slowly. You will learn how to:

If you have any pain, it can be treated with medicine.

Caring for the PEG-tube Site

Drainage from around the PEG tube is common for the first 1 or 2 days. The skin should heal in 2 to 3 weeks.

You will need to clean the skin around the PEG-tube 1 to 3 times a day.

For the first 1 to 2 weeks, you provider will likely ask you to use sterile technique when caring for your PEG-tube site.

Your provider may also want you to put a special absorbent pad or gauze around the PEG-tube site. This should be changed at least daily or if it becomes wet or soiled.

Do not use any ointments, powders, or sprays around the PEG-tube unless told to do so by your provider.

Ask your provider when it is ok to shower or bathe.

Keeping the PEG-tube in Place

If the feeding tube comes out, the stoma or opening may begin to close. To prevent this problem, tape the tube to your abdomen or use the fixation device. A new tube should be placed right away. Call your provider for advice on next steps.

Your provider can train you or your caregiver to rotate the gastrostomy tube when you are cleaning it. This prevents it from sticking to the side of the stoma and opening that leads to the stomach.

When to Call the Doctor

You should contact your provider if:

Also contact your provider if you:

References

Samuels LE. Nasogastric and feeding tube placement. In: Roberts JR, Custalow CB, Thomsen TW, eds. Roberts and Hedges' Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine and Acute Care. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 40.

Twyman SL, Davis PW. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement and replacement. In: Fowler GC, ed. Pfenninger and Fowler's Procedures for Primary Care. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 92.

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Review Date: 8/9/2023  

Reviewed By: Michael M. Phillips, MD, Emeritus Professor of Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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