Gastrostomy Tube
Surgically placed feeding tube through the abdominal wall directly into the stomach for long-term nutritional support.
Full Definition
A gastrostomy tube (G-tube) is a feeding device surgically inserted through the abdominal wall directly into the stomach to provide long-term enteral nutrition. In pediatric surgery, G-tubes are commonly placed in children with neurological impairments affecting swallowing, congenital anomalies preventing oral feeding, or conditions requiring prolonged nutritional support. Placement techniques include open surgical gastrostomy, laparoscopic-assisted placement, and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). The procedure involves creating a controlled gastrocutaneous fistula with the stomach secured to the anterior abdominal wall. G-tubes require regular maintenance and carry risks including infection, tube displacement, and granulation tissue formation around the stoma site.
Usage
Usage note: G-tube is the common abbreviation in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "Laparoscopic gastrostomy tube placement was performed for long-term nutritional support." — Operative report
- "The gastrostomy tube site showed signs of granulation tissue requiring silver nitrate treatment." — Clinic visit note