Gastrostomy (G) Tubes

There are 2 types of G Tubes:

Low-profile tube

This type of tube is often called a “button”. The low-profile tube is short and measured to sit close to the skin, making it less visible than a standard-length tube. Most of the tube will be inside the body and cannot be seen.

Standard-length tube

This is sometimes called a “dangler”, because it hangs out of the skin near the stomach. There is also a small plastic disc that sits close to the skin to keep the tube in place.

The G Tube has 2 ports:

• The gastric (G) port goes right into the stomach for nutrition, fluids, medicine or decompression. Sometimes there is extra air in the stomach and the G port can help get rid of the extra air. This is called decompression. Talk to your healthcare team about how and when to do this.  There is a cover on the port which should be kept closed when it is not being used. 
• The balloon port is used to inflate the balloon to keep the tube in place. A small water-filled balloon holds the G Tube in place inside the stomach. The water needs to be checked once a week. To do this, a syringe is attached to the balloon port on the device. This is then used to remove the water before replacing it. You will be taught how to do this before you go home. 

All feeding tubes have either a balloon or small bumper on the end, which sits inside the stomach and helps keep the tube in place. If your tube has a balloon, then it is inflated with water once it is inside the stomach. Sometimes, after a tube is placed for the first time, stitches might be used to keep it secure while the body is healing. Your healthcare team will teach you how to use the tube.

You will be given all the supplies and nutrition for feedings you need at home. Supplies will be sent to you routinely and you will be told how to order these. A case worker will help get these supplies delivered to your home. 

Find a place to store the supplies where they can be kept safe, clean and easy to access. You can dispose of used supplies in the household garbage.

Always follow the instructions for using your supplies to avoid problems like infections. Infections can cause diarrhea and vomiting. 

Some of the supplies may include:

• Extension sets
• Syringes
• Feeding pump

These supplies will attach to the feeding tube. You can feed right into the standard-length G Tube. When using a low-profile G Tube, an extension set needs to be attached to the feeding port to give nutrition, fluids, or medicine. 

There are 2 types of extension sets:

Continuous extension set

This is attached to the G Tube for continuous feeding over a few hours, usually using a pump. Continuous feeding can be done during the daytime or overnight.

Bolus extension set

This is attached to the G Tube when a “bolus” feeding is needed. A bolus feeding is used when a certain amount of nutrition is given through the tube over a short period of time, usually about 20 minutes. It travels down the tube using gravity and a syringe. The bolus extension set can also be used to give medicine.

There are many formulas or feeding choices for tube feeding. Your healthcare team will choose what is best for you. A dietitian will work with you to make a feeding plan before you leave the hospital. Your healthcare team should help you find a feeding schedule that fits best into your family routine. This can change as your needs change.  

Sometimes you may need extra water to meet daily fluid needs. Just like people drink something along with their meal, you will need some extra water with your nutrition. This is called “extra free water.” Your healthcare team or dietitian will tell you how much extra free water you need. Extra water is often given after medicines, or in between or after feedings. 

You will be taught exactly what to do before going home. You will also be given information to take home in case you forget anything. Your healthcare team should tell you who to contact with any questions or concerns.