What Complications Can Gastrostomy Tubes Have?

Discussion Gastrostomy tubes (GT or GTubes) have been used to support patients for about a century. They are placed between the abdominal skin and the stomach either percutaneously or surgically. The tubes can be a standard long tube with either a bumper or inflatable balloon internally and externally they have a retention piece to hold the GT in place. A button or low profile tube are similar but extend just beyond the skin. Reasons for GT placement include: Nutritional support Hydration maintenance Medication management Aspiration avoidance Gastric stasis decompression Obstruction bypass Quality of life improvement for caregivers They are very effective tools but do not always improve the quality of life for all individuals and the cost of care for a child with a GT significantly increases. Fundoplication may be performed at the same time as GT placement to try to decrease gastroesophageal reflux and aspiration. It takes approximately 8 weeks for the GT site to heal. If the GT falls out before this, it should be replaced by the inserting specialist. After 8 weeks and with the opening visible, it is possible for other trained individuals to replace the tube. This is for most patients, but will depend on the actual individual. While healing, the site should be cleaned and monitored per the inserting specialist’s instructions. After healing, GTs should be cleaned daily with soap and water and dried thoroughly. Patients can be bathed and can swim with the GT following...
Source: PediatricEducation.org - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: news