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 reason as to why people require this type of nutrition is inability to swallow normally. This includes patients that have a reduced level of consciousness hence have a high risk of aspiration. Others may have obstructive tumors in the mouth or esophagus. The other group of patients is that which requires nutritional supplementation. The device may be put in place either temporarily or a permanent measure depending on whether the problem is acute or chronic.
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. 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.
You need to look out for several complications that may be seen when these devices are used. One of those that are frequently encountered is the leakage of stomach contents which contain hydrochloric acid. The acid has the potential to irritate the peritoneum and cause a serious condition known as peritonitis. Peritonitis is a potentially fatal condition and requires prompt surgical intervention.
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.
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 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 reason as to why people require this type of nutrition is inability to swallow normally. This includes patients that have a reduced level of consciousness hence have a high risk of aspiration. Others may have obstructive tumors in the mouth or esophagus. The other group of patients is that which requires nutritional supplementation. The device may be put in place either temporarily or a permanent measure depending on whether the problem is acute or chronic.
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. 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.
You need to look out for several complications that may be seen when these devices are used. One of those that are frequently encountered is the leakage of stomach contents which contain hydrochloric acid. The acid has the potential to irritate the peritoneum and cause a serious condition known as peritonitis. Peritonitis is a potentially fatal condition and requires prompt surgical intervention.
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.
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 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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