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Your child’s g-tube will be removed in clinic today. We will cover the opening with a small plug of Aquacell or Vaseline gauze and place a cover dressing tightly over the plug. Follow these care instructions at home. |
What can my child eat before and after g-tube removal?
- It is helpful to have an empty stomach before removing the g-tube. Do not give your child anything to eat or drink for 1 hour before the g-tube is removed.
- Do not let your child eat or drink anything for 2 hours after the tube is removed.
- 2 hours after the tube is removed, your child may start drinking small sips and eating snacks for the rest of the day.
- For the next couple of days do not let your child eat any large meals or drink a lot of liquids at one time, it might stretch their stomach.
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How do I care for the opening?
- Check the dressing after your child starts to eat and drink to see if it is soaking through with food and liquid. If it is, apply a barrier paste (diaper cream) to protect the skin, change the dressing, and help your child eat and drink smaller amounts.
- Change the dressing at least once a day for the first few days to be sure there is no leaking or a rash on the skin. If there is a rash, clean the skin well, reapply the barrier paste, and change the dressing.
- When the area is no longer leaking, you can stop using dressings or bandages.
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When should I call the doctor?
Call the surgery clinic at 206-987-2794 if there is:
- Increasing leaking of food and drink through the old g-tube site
- Worsening skin rash or redness at the site from leaking
- Pus or foul-smelling creamy drainage at the site
- Any drainage or light leaking more than 30 days after the g-tube was removed
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