AMT GJet gastrojejunal button (3001)

Key points below


What is an AMT G-Jet tube?

There are different brands of GJ-tubes.  AMT G-Jet is one of the brand names.  It is a button type of tube.  It has a balloon filled with water to help keep the tube from falling out. Jet button

A GJ-tube is a feeding tube.  It goes through the stomach and into the intestine. The G is for gastric, which is the stomach.  The J is for jejunum, which is a part of the intestines. Often, a G-tube will be changed to a GJ-tube.  This lets you feed into the small intestines.  

Ports

There are three ports on the AMT G-Jet button.

1. Jejunal port = the glow green J-port

2. Gastric port = the white G-port 

3. Balloon port = the BAL port

Why does my child have a GJ-tube?

Some children cannot handle food in their stomach.  Some children can’t gain weight when this happens.  They may need to be fed past the stomach into their intestines.  

Reasons for needing to be fed into the intestines:

How long will my child need a GJ-tube?

Some children need the GJ-tube for a short period of time. 
Once the first GJ-tube is placed you will feed your child through the J-port.  When those feedings are going well, you will try feeding through the G-port. Some children may be able to be fed in their stomach later.  If your child can accept feedings into the stomach, they will no longer need the GJ-tube.  It can be changed to a gastrostomy tube (G-tube).  
If your child needs a GJ-tube longer than 6 to12 months, your child’s doctor may talk with you about the possible need for a permanent jejunostomy (J-tube).
Special care for the AMT G-Jet button
Visit www.childrenswi.org/gtube for videos on caring for a child with a GJ-tube.
Do not spin the GJ-tube.  This can cause the tubing to twist and move out of place.  If it moves or spins on its own, that is ok.
Feedings
Always give continuous feedings with the feeding pump when feeding through the J-port.  Never give a large amount of feedings over a short period of time into the intestines.  The intestines cannot handle a large amount of fluid at once.   If feedings are too fast or too large, your child may throw up, poop a lot or have stomach pain. 

Medicines
Ask your child’s doctor if the medicine should be given into the G-port or the J-port.
The medicine works best if given in liquid form.  Crushed pills and thick medicines can clog the tube easily.  If you need to give it in pill form, crush the medicine to a fine powder and mix the medicine with enough water to make it smooth.  Flush the tube before and after each medicine.  Also, flush between medicines.

Flushing
GJ-tubes need to be flushed often, to help prevent clogging.

G-port
Some children can handle having the G-port clamped.  Others may need it vented or placed to gravity.  Your child’s doctor or nurse will help you decide what is best for your child.  They will show you how to do this. 
Routine GJ-tube changes
GJ-tubes should be replaced in Interventional Radiology every 3 to 4 months.  
What problems can happen with a GJ-tube?
Rarely, the tube may cause a hole in the intestines.  This is an emergency.  Seek help immediately.  Signs of this would include fever and severe stomach pain.

It may seem scary, but it is not an emergency if the GJ-tube has a problem:

Contact Interventional Radiology:

Monday through Friday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM - (414) 266-3152

Weekdays after hours and weekends - After 4:00 PM - (414) 266-3116

Every child has a different plan until the GJ-tube is able to be fixed or exchanged.  Most children can go without feedings or liquids for 12 hours without any harm.  It will depend on your child’s age and special medical needs.  Your child’s doctor or nurse should talk to you about your child’s emergent feeding plan.  

Problem: The GJ-tube is clogged

Causes: 

Solution:

Problem: The GJ-tube fell out

Causes: 

Solution:

If this is your child’s very first tube and it has never been changed before:

If this is not your child’s very first tube and has been changed before:

1. If you have a spare G-tube:

2. If you don’t have a spare G-tube:

Problem: If part of the GJ-tube fell out - Your child may throw up formula or have stomach pain if this happens.

Causes: The tubing placed in the intestines could twist and move into the stomach.

Solution: If you were told that your child may handle slow feedings or Pedialyte in the stomach, you could try this.  Call IR to schedule a GJ-tube exchange.

ALERT

Call your child’s doctor, nurse, or clinic if you have any questions or concerns