A g tube is a usually needed for people who for one reason or another require enteral feeding. The tube is inserted through a small incision created on the abdominal wall. There are several types that are available with the commonest being the percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube or simply PEG tube. If you are nursing a patient who requires g tube feeding, there are a number of things that you should know.
The commonest reason for the use of this device in patients is inability to swallow. This may be as a result of obstructing tumors, neuromuscular disorders or illnesses that result in a reduction in the level of consciousness. Such persons need enteral feeding to reduce their risk of suffering from aspiration pneumonia. The treatment is also recommended for persons that are at a risk of suffering from malnutrition due to reduce oral intake.
Placing the device in the stomach is a procedure that is associated with very few complications. As a matter of fact, it is done as a day case in most centers. An endoscope is first passed down the esophagus into the abdominal cavity using its powerful source of light as a guide. With a suture fixed on one of the ends, the tube is then guided through and passed to the outside through an incision on the anterior abdominal wall. The entire exercise lasts about 20 minutes.
The use of the tubes in children is fairly common. Most are inserted to help supplement the diet of a child who may not be getting enough through the oral route. The other reason for their use in children is to provide nutritional support until when they are able to feed on their own. In general, the success rate associated with the use of the device in children has been very high.
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.
You will get instructions on how to deliver food using the device from your nurse or doctor. You can also use the manual that comes with it to clarify any doubts that may exist. Apart from the device, other things you also need include, a clean container for the food, a measuring cup, a syringe (60 cc) and of course the prescribed food. To reduce the risk of clogging, ensure that you flush the device with clean water every time it is used.
The design of most tubes is simple such that caretakers can easily change them at home. Changing is required when the devices are used for a long period of time and are subjected to wear and tear. In some cases, the lumen of the devices may get clogged and require replacement. Leakage of food contents around the skin causes irritation. This can be reduced by using a barrier cream.
Gastric feeding tubes are an effective way of ensuring persons that have a problem feeding get the required nutrition. Some are used as a temporary solution while others are placed indefinitely. Although most are very easy to fit and replace, there are a number of complications that may be encountered. Make a point of talking to your doctor if you suspect that the device has a problem.
The commonest reason for the use of this device in patients is inability to swallow. This may be as a result of obstructing tumors, neuromuscular disorders or illnesses that result in a reduction in the level of consciousness. Such persons need enteral feeding to reduce their risk of suffering from aspiration pneumonia. The treatment is also recommended for persons that are at a risk of suffering from malnutrition due to reduce oral intake.
Placing the device in the stomach is a procedure that is associated with very few complications. As a matter of fact, it is done as a day case in most centers. An endoscope is first passed down the esophagus into the abdominal cavity using its powerful source of light as a guide. With a suture fixed on one of the ends, the tube is then guided through and passed to the outside through an incision on the anterior abdominal wall. The entire exercise lasts about 20 minutes.
The use of the tubes in children is fairly common. Most are inserted to help supplement the diet of a child who may not be getting enough through the oral route. The other reason for their use in children is to provide nutritional support until when they are able to feed on their own. In general, the success rate associated with the use of the device in children has been very high.
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.
You will get instructions on how to deliver food using the device from your nurse or doctor. You can also use the manual that comes with it to clarify any doubts that may exist. Apart from the device, other things you also need include, a clean container for the food, a measuring cup, a syringe (60 cc) and of course the prescribed food. To reduce the risk of clogging, ensure that you flush the device with clean water every time it is used.
The design of most tubes is simple such that caretakers can easily change them at home. Changing is required when the devices are used for a long period of time and are subjected to wear and tear. In some cases, the lumen of the devices may get clogged and require replacement. Leakage of food contents around the skin causes irritation. This can be reduced by using a barrier cream.
Gastric feeding tubes are an effective way of ensuring persons that have a problem feeding get the required nutrition. Some are used as a temporary solution while others are placed indefinitely. Although most are very easy to fit and replace, there are a number of complications that may be encountered. Make a point of talking to your doctor if you suspect that the device has a problem.
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