Question 1

for how long will gastrostomy feeding lasts?

Accepted Answer

Depends: It depends on why it was placed. These tubes are usually placed for patients who are unable to swallow or eat for some reason. If the person's ability to eat and swallow returns, then the gastrostomy tube can be removed. The gastrostomy tube can also be used permanently for feeding and nutrition if needed.

Question 2

how long will 3/4 strenght of gastrostomy feeding lasts?

Accepted Answer

Not clear: I assume you are suggesting that using a diluted form of tube feeding rather than full strength?  The rationale for tube feeding, either gastrostomy or jejunostomy, is to provide calories, nutrients and fluids.  Diluted feeds will give adequate fluids but not enough calories and nutrients.  If there is a financial reason, see your social worker for assistance.

Question 3

how should the bed be positioned for someone receiving a continuous gastrostomy feeding?

Accepted Answer

Elevate head: several inches to allow stomach emptying by gravity and peristalsis

Question 4

following surgery how long are gastrostomy dressings necessary?

Accepted Answer

See below: If you are describing a dressing around a gastrostomy tube, then the gauze dressing is used to absorb any drainage, and may be used for about two weeks depending on the person's healing.  Sometimes the gauze dressing is used longer for skin protection purposes. Check with your surgeon to be sure.

Question 5

how effective is a gastrostomy for treating lou gehrig's disease?

Accepted Answer

Not a treatment: Gastrostomy is use to give the patient nutrients when he is unable to eat and keep them from starving to death. Often referred to as Tube Feeding

Question 6

my daughter has angelman's syndrome, she is due to have a gastrostomy, is this a common procedure?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Children who are unable or who are unsafe to take feeds by mouth often undergo placement of a gastrostomy tube.  This is a common procedure in such children.

Question 7

why would a  baby need a gastrostomy tube?

Accepted Answer

To be fed: Some babies may have conditions that do not allow them to eat by mouth or take in enough calories by mouth feeding. Some of these conditions are cerebral palsy, reflux, heart defects, aspiration, vocal cord paralysis, or cleft palate.

Question 8

differences between gastrostomy and nasogastric tube.?

Accepted Answer

Location: The location of the tube tells which one it is. A nasogastric tube is a temporary tube placed through the nose into the stomach. It can be used to remove fluid from the stomach, or used for instilling liquid food. A gastrostomy tube is a surgically placed tube through the abdominal skin into the stomach, usually used for longer term nutritional liquid feeding.

Question 9

how can i help make my baby comfortable if  he has a gastrostomy tube?

Accepted Answer

Venting: Sometimes babies swallow air that they cannot burp. This distends the stomach and makes them uncomfortable. Venting the tube and draining the air will make them more comfortable. It is like "burping" them through the tube.

Question 10

how do i know if my baby's gastrostomy tube need to be replaced or removed?

Accepted Answer

Depends: If your baby is able to eat by mouth and maintain good growth velocity for 2-3 months without needing or using the feeding tube then it most likely can be discontinued. If the tube is needed and it leakes or clogs then it should be replaced some tubes are only good for 3-4 months at a stretch.

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Doctor answers about:

Closure of gastrostomy

A member asked:

For how long will gastrostomy feeding lasts?

A member asked:

How long will 3/4 strenght of gastrostomy feeding lasts?

A member asked:

How should the bed be positioned for someone receiving a continuous gastrostomy feeding?

A member asked:

Following surgery how long are gastrostomy dressings necessary?

A member asked:

How effective is a gastrostomy for treating lou gehrig's disease?

A member asked:

My daughter has angelman's syndrome, she is due to have a gastrostomy, is this a common procedure?

A member asked:

Why would a baby need a gastrostomy tube?

A member asked:

Differences between gastrostomy and nasogastric tube.?

A member asked:

How can i help make my baby comfortable if he has a gastrostomy tube?

A member asked:

How do i know if my baby's gastrostomy tube need to be replaced or removed?

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