What is a G-Tube?

A G-tube (gastrostomy tube) is a soft, flexible feeding tube that is placed through the skin of the abdomen directly into the stomach. It creates a safe, reliable pathway for nutrition, fluids, and medications when a person cannot eat or drink enough by mouth. The tube is held in place by a small internal balloon or bumper inside the stomach and an external silicone disc (bolster) that rests against the skin.

Why Do I Need a G-Tube?

A G-tube is recommended when it is no longer safe or possible to get adequate nutrition and hydration by mouth. Common reasons include:

• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) due to stroke, neurological conditions, or other medical issues
• Risk of food or liquid going into the lungs (aspiration)
• Head or neck cancer, surgery, or radiation that affects chewing or swallowing
• Severe illness, weakness, or recovery from major surgery that prevents adequate oral intake
• Need for long-term nutritional support when other feeding methods are not practical

The G-tube allows you (or your caregiver) to deliver formula, water, and medications directly into the stomach, helping maintain nutrition, hydration, and strength while reducing the risk of aspiration and malnutrition.

Pre-Procedure Instructions

NOTHING to EAT or DRINK AFTER MIDNIGHT the night before your procedure.

This includes any water, gum, hard candy, or smoking.

Day of Procedure – Medications

1. You may take your High or Low Blood Pressure, Heart, Breathing, and Pain medication with only enough water to swallow the pills.
2. If you are a Diabetic patient: Test your glucose level before you arrive and bring the results. DO NOT TAKE ANY DIABETIC MEDICATION.
3. DO NOT TAKE any blood thinners, aspirin products, ibuprofen, NSAIDs (including Aleve, Motrin, Advil, fish oil, krill oil, CoQ10, or Vitamin E) for 3 DAYS prior to your appointment. Stop all anti-inflammatories.
4. DO NOT TAKE any prescription blood thinners (e.g., Plavix, Coumadin, Warfarin, etc.) for 5 DAYS prior to your appointment.

Important Requirements

• You must have a ride home. You will be unable to drive following your procedure.
• A responsible adult must be home with you for 24 hours.
• If you smoke, please refrain from smoking the day of the procedure. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW for help quitting

Home Care After Your Vascular Procedure

• Bed rest for 4 hours with the affected leg (LEFT / RIGHT) kept straight.
• Once you move to sitting, keep the affected leg straight.
• Drink plenty of fluids (except alcohol) for up to 8 hours following your procedure, unless otherwise directed. Extra fluids help flush the intravenous x-ray contrast from your body.
• Observe the puncture site for drainage, bleeding, swelling, or redness.
• If bleeding from the puncture site: Hold three fingers of pressure on the area for 15 minutes.

For the First 24 Hours

• Do not lift over 10 pounds.
• No exercise, no climbing stairs, no bending.
• No driving.
• No shower.

You will return for a follow-up appointment within the week of your procedure.

Gastrostomy Tube (G-Tube) Post-Care

Site Care

• To clean skin around the stoma, lift the edges of the round silicon retention bolster and gently wash the stoma with soap and water.
• Dry the stoma site thoroughly and return the retention bolster to its original position if it was moved. Do not use gauze behind the bolster.
• Check the position of the retention bolster, which should sit comfortably on the abdomen. Pull back on the gastrostomy tube gently until resistance is felt and gently slide the retention bolster towards the abdomen.
• Check the stoma site daily for signs of swelling, leakage, redness, soreness, pain or excessive movement in and out. Rotate tube weekly.
• If the bolster is too tight it can cause tissue damage; if too loose it can allow gastric contents to burn the stoma track.

Flushing (Irrigation) Technique

• Irrigate with 20 mL of water when feeding is interrupted and before and after each medication administration.
• Do not put anything down the tube other than the patient’s food, water or liquid medicines (pills should be crushed and dissolved in water first).

TUBE SHOULD BE REPLACED EVERY 4 MONTHS

When to Call the Office

Contact us immediately at (352) 261-5502 if you experience:

• Sudden pain, bleeding, fever, or swelling at a puncture site
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• For G-tube: accidental tube dislodgement, fevers, chills, or night sweats
• Any other concerning symptoms