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 indication for the use of this device is the inability to swallow for one reason or another. This category includes persons that are admitted in the ICU due to a reduced level of consciousness. Restricting them to enteral feeding reduces the risk of aspiration pneumonia. It is also useful in the event of tumors in the upper gastrointestinal tract. The device is also helpful for patients who require nutritional supplementation when oral intake is inadequate.
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.
Feeding tubes are used in all age groups including children. The main indication among children is the risk for malnutrition. The devices are used to ensure oral feeding is supplemented and all the essential nutrients are provided. In most cases, this is used as a temporary measure that is discontinued when the child starts eating normally. There has been great success with the use of these devices among children.
There are a number of complications that are associated with the use of these devices. Leakage of gastric contents is one of the commonest complications. When the contents leak they are likely to contaminate the peritoneal cavity with food particles and hydrochloric acid. The result of this is a life threatening condition known as peritonitis. The devices have also been associated with an increased risk of septic shock.
Instructions on how to use these feeding devices will be given by your doctor or nurse. When in doubt, consult a manual that comes with the device. You will need a 60 cc syringe to deliver the food, a measuring cup, a clean food container and of course the liquid food that has been prescribed by your doctor. Ensure that you flush the tube with clean water after feeding. This helps to minimize the instances of clogging.
Most of the devices are designed in a manner that makes them easy to be changed by caretakers at home. Changing is often needed when they are being used for a long time because of the effects of wear and tear. Once in a while, the lumen may get clogged with food particles and in this case will also need to be changed.
Gastric feeding tubes make it easy to deliver nutrition to those who have a difficulty doing it. They are used as a temporary intervention in some cases and a permanent measure in some cases. They are easy to fix and use but may complicate in some cases. Ensure that you get in touch with your doctor if you have doubts concerning the functioning of the devices.
The commonest indication for the use of this device is the inability to swallow for one reason or another. This category includes persons that are admitted in the ICU due to a reduced level of consciousness. Restricting them to enteral feeding reduces the risk of aspiration pneumonia. It is also useful in the event of tumors in the upper gastrointestinal tract. The device is also helpful for patients who require nutritional supplementation when oral intake is inadequate.
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.
Feeding tubes are used in all age groups including children. The main indication among children is the risk for malnutrition. The devices are used to ensure oral feeding is supplemented and all the essential nutrients are provided. In most cases, this is used as a temporary measure that is discontinued when the child starts eating normally. There has been great success with the use of these devices among children.
There are a number of complications that are associated with the use of these devices. Leakage of gastric contents is one of the commonest complications. When the contents leak they are likely to contaminate the peritoneal cavity with food particles and hydrochloric acid. The result of this is a life threatening condition known as peritonitis. The devices have also been associated with an increased risk of septic shock.
Instructions on how to use these feeding devices will be given by your doctor or nurse. When in doubt, consult a manual that comes with the device. You will need a 60 cc syringe to deliver the food, a measuring cup, a clean food container and of course the liquid food that has been prescribed by your doctor. Ensure that you flush the tube with clean water after feeding. This helps to minimize the instances of clogging.
Most of the devices are designed in a manner that makes them easy to be changed by caretakers at home. Changing is often needed when they are being used for a long time because of the effects of wear and tear. Once in a while, the lumen may get clogged with food particles and in this case will also need to be changed.
Gastric feeding tubes make it easy to deliver nutrition to those who have a difficulty doing it. They are used as a temporary intervention in some cases and a permanent measure in some cases. They are easy to fix and use but may complicate in some cases. Ensure that you get in touch with your doctor if you have doubts concerning the functioning of the devices.
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