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Feeding tube insertion - gastrostomy

Definition

A gastrostomy feeding tube insertion is the placement of a feeding tube through the skin and the stomach wall, directly into the stomach.

Alternative Names

Gastrostomy tube insertion; G-tube insertion; PEG tube insertion; Stomach tube insertion; Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube insertion

Description

Gastrostomy feeding tube insertion is often done through the mouth, by a procedure called endoscopy. Before the tube is inserted, numbing medicine is applied on the area, and the patient is given sleep medicines through a vein.

This procedure can also be done surgically while the patient is under general anesthesia (asleep and pain-free) A small, flexible, hollow tube with a balloon or special tip is inserted into the stomach through a small cut on the left side of the belly area. The surgeon uses stitches to close the stomach around the tube as well as the cut.

Risks

Risks for any anesthesia are:

  • Reactions to medications
  • Problems breathing
Risks for surgical or endoscopic feeding tube insertion are:
  • Bleeding
  • Infection
Review Date: 5/8/2008
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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