Leaks or fluid around your gastrostomy tube
If there are leaks of fluid around the gastrostomy tube, OR pain on feeding OR new bleeding, OR the tube falls out, stop feeding immediately and telephone for urgent advice using the numbers below.
Contact
Ward J81 at SJUH
Comfort and Safety
Always wash your hands before handling your feeding tube or gastrostomy site.
Skin care and Tube position
NEVER GIVE A FEED IF YOU ARE UNSURE OF YOUR TUBE POSITION
Clean your gastrostomy tube site daily with warm, soapy water. After cleaning, always dry gently.
Avoid using cotton wool, talcum powder or creams on your site.
If you have any signs of swelling, redness, odour or irritations, contact your community nurse, company nurse or dietitian for advice. Some clear discharge may be present; this is normal.
If the tube causes any discomfort, ensure it is not too tight. If the tube becomes too loose or too tight, your company nurse can measure you for a better fitting tube. If you are concerned, ask your dietitian or company nurse for advice.
Back to topTube Care
Once per day, rotate your tube around 360 degrees.
Every 2 weeks, the water in the balloon (which is inside the stomach) will need to be changed. The balloon starts to lose water over time so the tube is at risk of falling out if this is not done. Your community nurse can do this for you. After checking the balloon, it is important to check the tube position using pH paper. In time, the community nurse may show you how to do this for yourself.
Every 12 weeks, your tube will need to be changed. Your community or company nurse will do this for you. It is a simple procedure that can be carried out at home.
When not feeding or administering water / medication, remove your extension set and wash thoroughly (in the same way you wash your syringes, see page 8 of the “Your Guide to Using a Feeding Tube at Home” booklet). Your extension set should be changed weekly.
Positioning during feeding
When you are feeding, particularly during the night, ensure you are propped up with pillows. This will allow the liquid feed to move out of your stomach properly, reducing the risk of you being sick.
What should I do if my tube falls out?
In the unlikely event your tube falls out, contact your community or company nurse as soon as possible and locate your spare button gastrostomy tube (this should have been provided with your first delivery). You should always take this tube with you if you are away from home for long periods of time (e.g. holidays).
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