Taking Care of Your Child's Gastrostomy Tube (G-Tube)

Taking Care of Your Child's Gastrostomy Tube (G-Tube). Tara Spruill, RN, BSN - Nemours Children's Clinic, Jacksonville discusses gastrostomy tube or g-tube education.
A g-tube is a silicone tube that's placed in your child's abdomen through a hole in the stomach made by the doctor. Your child probably has a g-tube because they are unable to eat enough food by mouth to supply a good amount of calories for their body to grow at a normal rate. There are many different types of g-tubes. Our clinic uses buttons. A button is a small tube that lies close to your child's skin on the outside, and has a removable extension tube that is used form feeding, administering medications and venting or burping your child.
One of the most common questions that parents have about g-tubes is how to take care of the skin around the g-tube. It's important to keep the skin clean and dry and to look for signs of redness and irritation after each feeding. Your routine should be simple, and the less products you use the better. Take 3 cotton swabs with plain soap and water. Dip the first cotton swab in the soap and water. Start underneath the g-tube all the way around, and work your way out. Dip the second swab in plain water and with the same motion, start underneath the g-tube all the way around and work your way out. The third swab is a dry one. Using the same motion, start underneath the g-tube and work your way out. It's important to turn the g-tube half a turn after each feeding to prevent it from indenting into the skin, and causing redness and irritation.
As your child grows, and their weight fluctuates their g-tube may need to be longer. If your child's tube is too snug or too loose give the surgery center a call, and schedule a g-tube change. It's an exciting time when your child's doctor tells you that they no longer need their g-tube because they are able to take enough food by mouth. After the tube is removed the hole should close on its own. We recommend that you use a barrier cream and a bandage for the first 48 hours. If you notice that after 4-6 weeks that the hole has not closed, it may need to be done surgically.
Learn more at: kidshealth.org/en/parents/g-t...

[@KAus-ww8lo]

This nurse said, “Good luck, I know you can do this.” And I got a little lump in my throat. Thank you for such straight forward information, I definitely feel more comfortable.

[@NemoursChildrens]

We're so happy to help. Thank you for watching!

[@cuteeyezlegette1928]

This was really helpful thank you for the infomation

[@ajschmitt3219]

nice clear explanation, which can be used for a training supplement in UK.

[@nimcobeauty2074]

Thanks for sharing, it’s very helpful my daughter has a G Tube.

[@NemoursChildrens]

You are so welcome!

[@palomino627]

Thank you so much

[@rastasan6216]

My son has to get the Gtube and this video made me much more comfortable with the whole thing

[@clumsy_micah3769]

Do you have to keep it in forever ?

[@qaseh2408]

Ur baby the fizical is it norma??

[@littlestickman8223]

I have one. You change it every few months, varying on the persons needs.

[@littlestickman8223]

I’ve had it for 9 years. I am 10.

[@shortstackanimations]

@@littlestickman8223 now I’m 11

[@Kingchev]

Thank you for this

[@ediannareyesovalle9636]

Thank you!

[@whatgwenloves]

So so helpful! Thank you!!

[@NemoursChildrens]

You're so welcome!

[@MyUpMost4God]

Thank you! Excellent video. Good information.

[@NemoursChildrens]

Glad that you found it helpful!

[@zarrarkhan1668]

Nemours is it possibel in pakistan???

[@anneanne9009]

This is a good video!

[@mollyalford1852]

Do you have to check placement before feeding with a mic-key button?

[@sniinssniinssniinssniinssn7883]

GOT MY FEEDING TUBE REMOVED AFTER 12 YEARS. I GOT IT IMPLANTED AT 9 MONTHS AND GOT IT REMOVED AT 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH.

[@torizmomma]

Thank you so much! Does burping help relieve constipation and help a child go and have a bm.

[@NemoursChildrens]

Hi Victoria, according to one of our nurses, venting (burping) the GT does help with abdominal discomfort and does decrease distention in the abdomen overall, but, not sure that it truly has any direct impact on constipation issues. Just a note: This video is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, please consult your doctor.

[@Marieshan22]

very nice and I learn a lot

[@A.karennn]

If a mickey balloon button falls out can we put in a catheter?

[@NemoursChildrens]

According to one of our Gastroenterology nurses, if a GT dislodges or comes out, you should either place the tube back in or a catheter and call your doctor's office. This will keep the stoma site open and they will be able to replace the tube without surgery. The GT itself does not cause coughing or any other respiratory issues. Please note, all information on Nemours KZbin Channel is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.

[@A.karennn]

Thank you🙏🏼

[@slap_A_flamingo]

I don't know if you'll be able to help with this but...my mother in law said I shouldn't give a sick child bread. My logic is that he was sick 3 times, so once he had completely emptied his stomach I gave him bread and some veg soup. He's 2 years old and fairly healthy. Is this the right thing to do?

[@NemoursChildrens]

This will help: kidshealth.org/en/parents/vomit.html.

[@slap_A_flamingo]

@@NemoursChildrens that was helpful, thank you.

[@bobfootballbobert]

omg i know you :D

[@SprinklzZWinner]

I have a g tube I’m skinny as fuck

[@A.karennn]

Can a gtube cause coughing ?

[@littlestickman8223]

Ana m no.

[@littlestickman8223]

I have one

[@shortstackanimations]

@@littlestickman8223 hi me I’m on anthor acc