When Your Child Needs a Gastrostomy or Gastro-jejunum Tube

Your child is going home with either a gastrostomy tube (G tube) or gastro-jejunum tube (G-J tube) in place. A G tube is placed through the abdominal wall into the stomach. This tube sends liquid food directly into the stomach. A G-J tube is placed through the abdominal wall into the stomach and leads into part of the small intestine called the jejunum. It sends liquid food directly into the jejunum.

Caring for the G or G-J tube

You will need to care for your child’s tube. You were shown how to do this before your child was discharged from the hospital. For example, you’ll need to flush the tube after feeding or medicine. This is to prevent clogging. And you should know what not to put in the tube, such as whole pills. If you need help, talk with the hospital about how to arrange a home health nurse to help you.

Keep in mind that there are many types of G and G-J tubes, syringes, and feeding pumps. Your child’s tube and supplies may look or work differently from what are described and shown here. Make sure to follow the instructions given by your child’s healthcare provider or home health nurse.

Contact information to keep handy

Ask for phone numbers to call if you need help. Also, make sure you have the phone number for your child’s medical supply company. You’ll need to order more supplies for your child in the future. Write all of these phone numbers below.

Healthcare provider phone number: ____________________________________

Home health nurse phone number: _____________________________________

Medical supply company phone number: ________________________________

Feeding your child

You’ll need to feed your child through the tube. You will be shown how to do this before your child is discharged from the hospital. If you need more help, talk with the hospital about how to arrange a home health nurse to help you.

Types of feeding

There are 2 types of feeding with G and G-J tubes. Your child may be have one or both types of feeding. They are:

• Continuous feeding. Liquid food is dripped slowly through the tube for part or all of a day. Continuous feeding can be done into either the stomach or the jejunum. This type of feeding is only done using a pump. The amount of food to be given and time frame are often set on the pump for you. Do not change pump settings unless you’re instructed to do so.

• Bolus feeding. This is a meal-sized amount of liquid food given through the tube several times a day. Bolus feeding is given using a syringe or a pump. Bolus feeding is done into the stomach but not into the jejunum. Your child’s healthcare provider or home health nurse will tell you how much liquid food to use for each feeding. You’ll also be told how often to feed your child.

For bolus feeding, fill in the numbers below:

Feed your child on this schedule: ____________________________________________

Give this much at each feeding: ______________________________________________

Additional instructions: __________________________________________________________________________________________

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