What Is It?
Gastrostomy and gastrojejunostomy insertion procedures are medical interventions used to provide long-term nutritional support for patients with various medical conditions that affect their ability to eat normally. A feeding tube can be placed into the stomach (gastrostomy), or a longer tube can be placed into the stomach, with the end of it into the small bowel (gastrojejunostomy). These tubes can also be used for medication administration.
How is the Procedure Performed?
Gastrostomy tubes are inserted into both the stomach, while gastrojejunostomy tubes are inserted into the stomach and the jejunum (the second part of the small intestine). They are used when a patient requires feeding directly into the small intestine, bypassing the stomach. The insertion site for the tube is identified, using imaging techniques with x-ray and ultrasound. A small incision is made, and a guide wire is inserted into the stomach. The gastrostomy insertion tube is then passed over the guide wire and positioned the stomach (and jejunum, if needed). This procedure is typically performed in a hospital setting. You may be given a mild sedative to help you relax and remain still during the procedure.
How Do I Prep For The Procedure?
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight (12:00 am) the night before your procedure. You may take medications with a sip of water in the morning. Bring a list of all prescribed medications with you to the procedure. You should arrange to have someone take you home after the procedure. In some cases, these procedures are performed in a hospital setting and require a single overnight stay.
What Happens After The Procedure?
The tube can be used after 24 hours. Patients typically return every 6 months for exchange to a new feeding tube to avoid infection and clogging.
Gastrojejunostomy Tube Insertion
Purpose:
Gastrojejunostomy tubes are inserted into both the stomach and the jejunum (the second part of the small intestine). They are used when a patient requires feeding directly into the small intestine, bypassing the stomach.
Procedure:
- Localization – The insertion site for the tube is identified, usually using imaging techniques.
- Insertion – A small incision is made, and a guide wire is inserted into the stomach and then threaded into the jejunum. The gastrojejunostomy tube is then passed over the guide wire and positioned in both the stomach and jejunum.
- Securing and Confirmation – The tube is secured and confirmed for proper placement using imaging techniques.
How Do I Prep For The Procedure?
Similar to gastrostomy tube insertion, the patient is prepared under sedation or anesthesia, and the abdomen is sterilized.
What Happens After The Procedure?
Similar to gastrostomy tube insertion, the insertion site is dressed, and the patient is monitored for complications.
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1055 Post Road, Suite 150
Fairfield, CT 06824
Fax 203.380.3252
