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.
The placement of these devices is fairly simple and safe. The endoscope has a powerful light source that makes its position visible from the outside. With the endoscope in position, a suture is fixed on one end of the device and used to pull it through the abdominal wall so that this end becomes external. A balloon near the tip is inflated to ensure the device remains in position. The entire process takes about 20 minutes.
Feeding tubes are used in all age groups. In children, it is frequently used to help supplement diet among children assessed to be at risk of malnutrition due to inadequate oral intake. This may be done temporarily until the children are able to feed adequately on their own. There has been huge success associated with the use of these feeding devices in children.
There are a number of complications that you need to look out for. One of them is the leakage of stomach contents at the site of entry. These contents which usually contain hydrochloric acid often end up in the peritoneal cavity and have the potential to lead to peritonitis, a life threatening condition. Septic shock is another complication that has been reported in a few of the patients.
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 of these devices is such that they can be easily changed in the home setting. This is often required if the tube is to be used for a long period of time due to the effects of wear and tear. Changing may also be needed when the lumen gets clogged. If the skin around the device gets irritated, use a barrier cream to minimize the irritation.
Gastric feeding tubes have been established to be an effective method of delivering nutrition to persons that cannot swallow or eat adequately. They may be inserted as a temporary measure as happens frequently in children. Many of them are easy to fix and replace but there may be complications at times. Consult your doctor if you notice something unusual.
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.
The placement of these devices is fairly simple and safe. The endoscope has a powerful light source that makes its position visible from the outside. With the endoscope in position, a suture is fixed on one end of the device and used to pull it through the abdominal wall so that this end becomes external. A balloon near the tip is inflated to ensure the device remains in position. The entire process takes about 20 minutes.
Feeding tubes are used in all age groups. In children, it is frequently used to help supplement diet among children assessed to be at risk of malnutrition due to inadequate oral intake. This may be done temporarily until the children are able to feed adequately on their own. There has been huge success associated with the use of these feeding devices in children.
There are a number of complications that you need to look out for. One of them is the leakage of stomach contents at the site of entry. These contents which usually contain hydrochloric acid often end up in the peritoneal cavity and have the potential to lead to peritonitis, a life threatening condition. Septic shock is another complication that has been reported in a few of the patients.
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 of these devices is such that they can be easily changed in the home setting. This is often required if the tube is to be used for a long period of time due to the effects of wear and tear. Changing may also be needed when the lumen gets clogged. If the skin around the device gets irritated, use a barrier cream to minimize the irritation.
Gastric feeding tubes have been established to be an effective method of delivering nutrition to persons that cannot swallow or eat adequately. They may be inserted as a temporary measure as happens frequently in children. Many of them are easy to fix and replace but there may be complications at times. Consult your doctor if you notice something unusual.
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