Methods for placing G-tube

A G-tube will be placed in one of three ways. There are different reasons one method is selected over another. The doctor or nurse will explain the method to be used for your child.

Surgical method

During surgery, the stomach is brought up to the abdominal wall. The surgeon will either do this through a small incision or by using laparoscopic techniques. Sometimes the stomach is stitched to the underside of the abdominal wall. (Your child’s surgeon will explain the exact details of the surgical procedure to you.) The G-tube is placed through a separate opening made in the abdominal wall. The tube goes directly into the stomach. There is a small balloon/mushroom at the tip of the G-tube to keep it in place. The G-tube may be stitched to the skin during surgery.

If the stitches are in place, they will be removed 4–7 days after surgery. It is important for the fi rst tube to stay in place for 6 weeks so the area heals. After that time, the G-tube can be changed to another type of tube, if needed.

PEG (Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy) Method

A scope is placed down into the stomach by a gastroenterologist (a doctor with special training). As the doctor looks at the stomach, a surgeon places a guide wire through a hole made in the abdominal wall into the stomach. The guide wire is attached to a G-tube with a mushroom shaped end.

The G-tube is pulled down through the mouth, into the stomach and placed through the hole in the abdomen. The end of the tube remains inside the stomach. A bar (or disc) is placed on the outside of the abdomen. These two devices work together to hold the stomach against the abdominal wall. The first tube must stay in place for three months, and then can be changed to another type of tube. The first tube change will be done in the Surgery Clinic.

Percutaneous placement method

A radiologist (a doctor with special training) will take a series of x-rays of the stomach. While the x-rays are being taken, the doctor will guide a wire into the stomach through the abdominal wall. After the wire is placed, the doctor will place fasteners to help hold the stomach to the abdominal wall. The G-tube is placed over the guidewire and goes into the stomach. The G-tube has a balloon on the inside and a bar/disc on the outside. It is important for this first tube to remain in place for one month. The G-tube can then be changed to another type of tube by the radiologist.