Feeding Gastrostomy Tubes

What is a feeding gastrostomy tube?

A feeding gastrostomy tube, also known as a G-tube, is a treatment that helps deliver nutrition directly to your child's stomach. The gastrostomy tube itself is surgically placed into your child’s stomach during a minimally invasive surgical procedure. 

Why does my child need a feeding gastrostomy tube?

Feeding gastrostomy tubes are necessary for a wide variety of health problems in children. Your dedicated physician at California Pediatric Surgical Group may recommend this procedure if your child has any of the following conditions: 

• Sucking or swallowing disorders
• Failure to thrive or inadequate weight gain and growth
• Congenital mouth, esophageal, stomach, or intestinal problems

In some cases, doctors recommend a feeding gastrostomy tube if your child has extreme problems taking necessary medications.

How does a doctor place a feeding tube?

Before your child undergoes a G-tube placement, your surgeon at California Pediatric Surgical Group conducts comprehensive evaluations, labs, and imaging tests. Your pediatric surgeon counsels you about everything you need to know and may have you meet with a pediatric dietician beforehand so you know how to manage your child’s feeding gastrostomy tube at home.

Placing the feeding tube requires your child to go under general anesthesia. Your surgeon can perform the procedure a few different ways, depending on your child’s needs.

Laparoscopic technique

During a laparoscopic G-tube placement, your pediatric surgeon makes two small incisions in your child’s belly. They place the gastrostomy tube into one incision and the laparoscope in the other. The camera at the end of the laparoscope helps your surgeon visualize internal organs and precisely place the G-tube. 

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG)

The PEG procedure involves placing an endoscope into your child’s mouth and down their esophagus, rather than through an incision. Your surgeon places the gastrostomy tube through the abdomen. The endoscope simply allows your surgeon to visualize your child’s stomach so they can place the G-tube into the precise location. 

Open G-tube surgery

During an open surgery, your surgeon at California Pediatric Surgical Group makes a larger incision in your child’s abdomen to attach the G-tube to their stomach. While minimally invasive procedures are generally preferred, sometimes traditional open surgeries are still necessary.

California Pediatric Surgical Group provides personalized care if your child needs a feeding gastrostomy tube. You can book an exam online or by phone with any office today.