Gastrostomy
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Gastrostomy[edit]
A gastrostomy is a surgical procedure for inserting a tube through the abdomen into the stomach. It is used for feeding patients who cannot swallow food. This procedure is often performed when a patient has difficulty with oral intake due to conditions such as neurological disorders, cancer, or gastrointestinal diseases.
Indications[edit]
Gastrostomy is indicated in patients who require long-term enteral nutrition. Common indications include:
- Neurological disorders such as stroke, cerebral palsy, or motor neuron disease.
- Head and neck cancer that obstructs the normal swallowing mechanism.
- Severe anorexia or malnutrition where oral intake is insufficient.
- Gastrointestinal disorders that impair normal digestion and absorption.
Procedure[edit]
The procedure can be performed using different techniques, including:
- Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG): This is the most common method, where an endoscope is used to guide the placement of the tube.
- Surgical Gastrostomy: This involves a direct surgical approach to place the tube, often used when endoscopic methods are not feasible.
- Radiologically Inserted Gastrostomy (RIG): This method uses imaging guidance to place the tube.
Complications[edit]
While generally safe, gastrostomy can have complications such as:
- Infection at the insertion site.
- Bleeding or perforation of the stomach or abdominal wall.
- Tube dislodgement or blockage.
- Aspiration pneumonia if gastric contents are regurgitated.
Care and Maintenance[edit]
Proper care and maintenance of the gastrostomy tube are essential to prevent complications. This includes:
- Regular cleaning of the tube and surrounding skin.
- Flushing the tube with water to prevent blockages.
- Monitoring for signs of infection or irritation.
