GASTROSTOMY TUBE (G-TUBE) PLACEMENT DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS

Symptoms to watch for:

• • Redness around insertion site

  • Oozing around insertion site

  • Temperature over 100.4º F

  • Increase in pain.

Additional Instructions:

Call Interventional Radiology at 425-251-5183 is you develop:

• • Severe abdominal pain

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Bleeding around the skin site

  • Drainage at the site

  • Coughing up blood

  • Chest pain

  • Shortness of breath

Specific Instructions for the G-Tube:

• You may use the gastrostomy tube (g-tube) after 24 hours only if you do not have any of the symptoms mentioned above.

• Take care not to accidentally pull-out tube.

• Always keep the g-tube dressing (gauze and tape) clean and dry.  Do not remove the initial dressing for 48 hours.  The 2 or 3 small, clear buttons at the skin surface are attached to dissolvable stitches.  The buttons will fall off in 1-3 weeks.

• Contact Radiology at 425-251-5183 during normal business hours if buttons still present at 4 weeks.

• You may sponge bathe for the first week.  Do not submerge or get the g-tube wet.  Replace the dressing with sterile gauze and tape daily or earlier if it becomes soiled.  After 1 week, you may take showers again and get the g-tube wet.  Wash only with mild soap and rinse with water.  Wash from your head down before you begin cleaning the g-tube.  Pat dry only with sterile gauze.  Do not towel dry around the tube. 

• Continue daily cleaning.  After 4 weeks, you may leave the area uncovered or place gauze between the circular collar and the skin to minimize irritation of the skin by the circular collar.  Never access the smaller white side port.  This port is only for the inflated balloon at the tip of the g-tube for physician access only.

• If you have any questions or concerns, call Radiology at 425-251-5183