What is a G Tube?
What is a gastric tube (g-tube)?
* A g-tube is a soft, flexible tube that is placed through the skin into the stomach.
* A g-tube is used for long-term feeding or emptying the stomach.
Why does my child need a g-tube?
* These are some reasons that can cause your child to need a g-tube.
* Difficulty swallowing.
* Problems that make it difficult for your child to eat enough food to get proper
nutrition.
Where is the g-tube placement performed?
* It is performed in the Interventional Radiology Department.
Who will perform the g-tube placement?
* A specially trained pediatric interventional radiologist.
What can I expect before the g-tube placement?
* Your child will be seen by one of our doctors and/or nurse clinicians, who will
obtain a health history, perform a brief physical exam, explain the procedure, and
answer your questions.
* Your child will have blood drawn and an IV (intravenous catheter) started.
* You will sign a consent form.
* Usually, children 10 years of age and under are given "sleeping" medicine by an
anesthesiologist.
* Children over the age of 10 are given medicine to help relax them. They also
receive medicine to numb the skin. However, it still may be necessary to give them
"sleeping" medicine.
* Your child cannot have anything to eat or drink after midnight, the night before.
* If your child is taking aspirin, it must be stopped 3 days before the procedure.
What can I expect during the g-tube placement?
* If your child is given "sleeping" medicine, he/she will be asleep for the entire
procedure.
* A small, soft nasogastric tube is inserted into the nose and its end is placed in the
stomach. This is used to place air into the stomach, which helps the doctor see it
easily on x-ray.
* The doctor will numb the skin on your child's abdomen.
* A needle is inserted through the skin and into the stomach.
* Through this needle, a wire is inserted into the stomach and the g-tube is placed
over the wire. The needle and the wire are then removed. The g-tube remains in the
stomach.
* The tip of the g-tube is in the stomach and the other end is secured on the child's
abdomen. * The tube is attached to a drainage bag until it can be used.
What can I expect after the g-tube placement?
* Your child will go to the recovery room or hospital room after they wake up.
* Your child may feel pain. The nurse will give your child pain medicine.
* Usually, the g-tube will be ready for use the next day.
* A nurse will show you how to care for the g-tube and give feedings before you and
your child return home.
* A home health nurse will also be available to assist you.
What are the risks of having a g-tube placed?
* Infection and bleeding at the g-tube site insertion.
What are the benefits of having a g-tube placed?
* An easy, convenient way to provide adequate nutrition for your child.
* To help a child gain weight, increase nutritional intake, and fight illness.
close up of "mickey" button or g tube button
What is a Ng Tube??
What is a nasogastric (NG) tube?
A nasogastric (NG) tube is a flexible plastic tube that goes through the patient's mouth or nose into the stomach. It is designed to remove stomach contents or provide a route to give medication or food to a patient who cannot swallow. The portion of the NG tube outside of the patient may be plugged closed, connected to a delivery device or connected to a suction device. NG tubes may be inserted while
the patient is in the emergency department, operating room, ICU, or regular hospital ward, or even at home by a skilled nurse.
Does a NG tube hurt?
The insertion of the NG tube is somewhat uncomfortable for an awake patient but once in place the NG tube usually causes very little irritation.
How is the NG tube kept in place?
Typically, tape is used to secure the NG tube to the patient's nose and hold the NG tube in place.
How long is a NG tube used?
It depends on why you are using an NG tube, but most say no longer than a year if needed. Studies have shown patients have had them for much longer with no side effects however.
Are there any potential complications associated with use of a NG tube?
Rarely, sores develop in the nose or mouth due to pressure caused by a NG tube.
What about changing the NG tube?
The Ng tube is generally changed once every 4 weeks. Alternating sides from right to left in placement.
How does it work?
The end of the ng tube is connected to a feeding machine and feedings are given.
What about checking placement?
Each and every time the NG tube is placed you must check for correct placement. Meaning that the tube is not in the lungs. Ask your home nurse or doctor for information in showing you how to check for correct placement.
Samples of Ng tubes
A child with Sandhoff Disease named Conner Watkins, with a Ng Tube in place.
Clayton Mulligan having a feeding using a Ng Tube.