Patients afflicted with a disorder which affects their ability to swallow such as a stroke, can benefit from the insertion of a gastric feeding tube. This device is surgically placed in such a way that it delivers nutrition directly into the stomach through a small incision in the abdomen. G tube feeding can be used for patients of all ages, from premature infants to elderly persons with advanced dementia.
In addition to nourishing the body, these devices can also help minimize the incidence of aspiration pneumonia. It can be used alone as the sole method of feeding, or along with a regular diet as a supplement. Unconscious patients requiring enteral feeding, are often fed using this system.
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 for a few days, to two or three years, but those which are used for longer will likely need to be replaced at some point. They are mainly made from polyurethane or silicone, with a diameter measured in French units, of which one is the equivalent of 0.33 millimeters. There are two style of g-tubes; long, catheter style, and "button" style which features multiple extensions that are detachable.
Although there are several techniques which can be used to insert this device surgically, the most common is the percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. This approach takes about a half-hour and can be done while the patient is sedated and given a local anesthetic. The interior of the stomach is visualized using an endoscope, which helps guide the device through the esophagus to its target site. It stays in place with a retention dome or balloon-tip, and is then directed through a small incision in the wall of the abdomen.
Antibiotics will be administered to help prevent infection at the site of the tube's insertion. It is normal to experience some drainage at the incision site for the first two days after surgery. The area will be protected by gauze dressing that will be changed as needed. Once the incision has healed, it will be necessary to gently wash it each day using soap and water.
A dietitian will determine the appropriate amount of fluids, calories, vitamins, and minerals the patient needs and recommend a ready-to-use formula or give instructions how to prepare it. Formula can be fed continuously as a steady drip, or as a bolus feeding, in which it given in a larger amount at regular mealtimes. A pump or syringe is used to deliver the formula into the device.
The patient will learn everything they need to know about the use and care of the g-tube from a dietitian, nurse, or doctor. Mild discomfort may be experienced at the insertion site for a few days, but this can normally be kept under control with some over-the-counter pain-relievers. Contacting one's immediate caregiver is imperative if the tube comes, appears to be blocked, or has excessive drainage.
In addition to nourishing the body, these devices can also help minimize the incidence of aspiration pneumonia. It can be used alone as the sole method of feeding, or along with a regular diet as a supplement. Unconscious patients requiring enteral feeding, are often fed using this system.
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 for a few days, to two or three years, but those which are used for longer will likely need to be replaced at some point. They are mainly made from polyurethane or silicone, with a diameter measured in French units, of which one is the equivalent of 0.33 millimeters. There are two style of g-tubes; long, catheter style, and "button" style which features multiple extensions that are detachable.
Although there are several techniques which can be used to insert this device surgically, the most common is the percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. This approach takes about a half-hour and can be done while the patient is sedated and given a local anesthetic. The interior of the stomach is visualized using an endoscope, which helps guide the device through the esophagus to its target site. It stays in place with a retention dome or balloon-tip, and is then directed through a small incision in the wall of the abdomen.
Antibiotics will be administered to help prevent infection at the site of the tube's insertion. It is normal to experience some drainage at the incision site for the first two days after surgery. The area will be protected by gauze dressing that will be changed as needed. Once the incision has healed, it will be necessary to gently wash it each day using soap and water.
A dietitian will determine the appropriate amount of fluids, calories, vitamins, and minerals the patient needs and recommend a ready-to-use formula or give instructions how to prepare it. Formula can be fed continuously as a steady drip, or as a bolus feeding, in which it given in a larger amount at regular mealtimes. A pump or syringe is used to deliver the formula into the device.
The patient will learn everything they need to know about the use and care of the g-tube from a dietitian, nurse, or doctor. Mild discomfort may be experienced at the insertion site for a few days, but this can normally be kept under control with some over-the-counter pain-relievers. Contacting one's immediate caregiver is imperative if the tube comes, appears to be blocked, or has excessive drainage.
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