Infants/
Children

On the day of the surgery, you should be shown a GJ-Tube or a picture of one, with an explanation of its capabilities, including when to use the jejunal and gastric ports. GJ-Tubes exist in a low-profile version or standard-length.

You will be instructed 24-48 hours on pre-procedure protocol, including how to prepare for surgery, such as bathing your child, and a specific number of hours to hold fluids and foods. You’ll also be given instructions on what supplies are needed and where to get them.

Your care team will review information on how to use your tube and supplies again after the procedure.

Your child will receive general anaesthesia for the procedure. Expect the procedure to take one hour, with one to three hours in the post-anaesthesia recovery area.

For laparoscopic placement, the abdomen will feel full because air was placed into the abdomen to assist with the tube placement.

Your child won’t be allowed to eat for a few hours to 24 hours after the procedure. The care team will watch your child closely.

When the time’s right, they’ll gradually start tube feeds.

For the first two weeks after placement the stoma site should be cleaned daily using gauze and sterile water. Start near the stoma site and move outwards in circular motions. Do not adjust the retention disc that keeps the PEG tube in place. Expect to see some drainage (clear or blood-tinged) at the site the first days after placement. Gently remove any residue. Be sure to thoroughly rinse and dry the area afterwards.

Some redness after the procedure is normal and should go away in about three days.

Your child may be given medication to help with pain, as well as a prescription to take home. Your care team will teach you how to administer tube feeds, medication, venting and what requires emergent (immediate) attention and care and what can be addressed within a 24 hour period. You’ll also be given a feeding schedule.

After two weeks, the tube and stoma site can be cleaned with soap and water, rinse and dry the area afterwards. Until the stoma site is fully healed, do not immerse your stoma site in water. Have showers not baths. Your healthcare professional will advise when you can have a bath or go swimming.

Remember: do NOT rotate this GJ-Tube. You’ll need to monitor your child for excessive touching of their new tube.

You’ll be told who and when to call if you have any problems.

On your first day home, continue to watch for signs of pain and give medicine based on your care team’s advice.

Follow your feeding schedule and instructions, utilising venting as needed and if recommended by your care team. Set up your pump for continuous feeds if needed. You may use a pump on a pole or in a backpack if your child is mobile.

Make sure the tube is protected from excessive handling by your child, as well as protected from pets or siblings.

Give your information to your home medical equipment provider for future supply needs. You’ll also want to schedule a date for GJ-Tube replacement as well as a post-procedure clinic visit.

Practice daily tube and stoma care and remember to practice oral care, such as frequent toothbrushing or using infant swabs, regardless if any food or medication is taken orally. Flushing your GJ-Tube is particularly important. Be sure you understand best practices and frequency of flushing to help prevent your tube from becoming clogged.

If you run into any questions, don’t be afraid to reach out to your care team.

Remember: the first day at home after any big change is going to require some adjustment. But before long, you’ll become more used to the feeding tube and you’ll develop a new routine that’s second nature to you.