Treatment & Procedures

Feeding Tube Placement
Capsule Endoscopy

A feeding tube is inserted into your stomach through your abdomen to provide nutrition. When you have trouble eating, the feeding tube can supply you with the daily required fluids and calories. Feeding tube placement is also referred to as esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG), and G-tube insertion. There are several instances that may require the use of a feeding tube such as an abnormality of your mouth or esophagus, difficulty swallowing or keeping food down, and lack of nutrition or fluid intake by mouth. Also, there are several conditions that may require the use of a feeding tube such as a stroke, cerebral palsy, dementia, burns, motor neuron disease, and others. While the patient is lying on their back, the doctor places the endoscope in the patient's mouth and down the esophagus. The camera is used to help the doctor visualize the stomach lining. This ensures that the feeding tube is properly positioned. When your doctor can see your stomach, a small incision is made in your abdomen. Next, the feeding tube is inserted through the opening. The tube is then secured and a sterile dressing is placed around the site. There may be drainage of bodily fluids from the wound, such as blood or pus.


Preparation for Feeding Tube Placement

Before the procedure, discuss any medications you’re taking with your doctor, including blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin), aspirin (Bufferin), or clopidogrel (Plavix). Blood thinners or anti-inflammatory medications need to be stopped one week or so before the procedure. The doctor will perform a gastrostomy using an endoscope, which is a flexible tube with a camera attached. Anesthesia may be used for comfort. Another important note is that this procedure requires you to fast. Typically, patients should abstain from eating eight hours before the procedure. Most people can return home the same day as the procedure.

Please contact us for additional questions regarding feeding tube placement.
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