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Procedure Name

Gastrostomy
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Surgery Type

Open/ Minimally Invasive Procedure
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Hospital Stay

1 to 2 days
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Duration of Surgery

30 Min to 1 Hour
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Type of Anaesthesia

General Anesthesia
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Full Recovery

2 to 4 Weeks

Overview

Gastrostomy is the creation of an artificial opening to insert a feeding tube known as a G-tube (Gastrostomy tube) directly into your stomach through the abdominal wall. It is most often performed if you have difficulty swallowing food due to esophageal (food pipe) abnormalities, certain medical conditions, and if you cannot tolerate a nasogastric tube (a tube that passes into the stomach through the nose). 

The G-tube is either placed permanently or for a temporary period of time, depending on the reason for insertion. There are three methods used to perform a  gastrostomy, namely an open procedure, percutaneous (through the skin), endoscopic (gastrostomy (PEG), and laparoscopic gastrostomy surgery in Mysuru.

Let us explore gastrostomy in detail to understand better the procedure, its indications, its benefits, and the potential risks involved. 

What Is Gastrostomy?

Gastrostomy is the surgical creation of an opening into your stomach that aids in inserting a feeding tube directly through the abdominal wall. It is performed by placing a thin, flexible tube known as a G-tube directly into the stomach through small incisions made around the abdominal wall and securing it with the help of stitches. The feeding is facilitated through the G-tube.

Gastrostomy may be required due to illness, trauma, or medical conditions impacting the ability to swallow safely or due to increased nutritional requirements. It provides direct access to the stomach for feeding, hydration, or medicine 

Gastrostomy can be performed through two methods, namely:

  • Open procedure
  • Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) 
  • Laparoscopic gastrostomy

When Is Gastrostomy Recommended?

Gastrostomy helps to provide nutrition which is otherwise not possible normally through your mouth for several reasons:

  • The abnormalities related to the mouth or esophagus (food pipe that connects your throat to the stomach).
    • Esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus), GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).
    • Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or keeping down the food.
    • These include oral (mouth) cancers, head injuries, strokes, dementia (a condition that causes impairment of brain functions), brain tumors, etc.
  • Lack of sufficient nutrition or fluids through the mouth.
    • As seen in the case of severe burns involving the mouth and throat.
  • Premature babies 
    • Premature babies may require temporary feeding tubes through gastrostomy in NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) before they are sent home.

How To Prepare For A Gastrostomy?

A gastrostomy is performed at the hospital, which may or may not require you to stay overnight. The following preparations will be made before gastrostomy:

  • Your doctor will conduct a few diagnostic tests to check your overall health like blood tests and X-rays of the gastrointestinal tract (stomach and intestines).
  • Your doctor will need to know if you are pregnant or have certain medical conditions like diabetes (increased blood sugar levels), hypertension (high blood pressure), heart or lung conditions, or allergies.
  • You will be asked to discontinue medications like aspirin, blood thinners, and other herbal supplements one week before gastrostomy.
  • Your doctor will ask you to abstain from eating or drinking 8 hours before the procedure.
  • If gastrostomy is for a child, the surgeon will brief the parents about the procedure. 

How Is Gastrostomy Performed?

Before your doctor in Mysuru begins the procedure, an endoscopy will be performed, which determines the location of the stomach opening where the incision will be made. This ensures the insertion of the G-tube is performed easily and properly.

  • You are made to lie comfortably on the procedure table.
  • Your doctor will administer either general or regional anesthesia (a numbing agent), so you do not feel pain or discomfort.

Open Gastrostomy

  • A large incision will be made in the middle or on the left side of the abdomen through your stomach.
  • A small, thin, flexible hollow tube (G-tube) is inserted into the stomach and stitched to it.
  • This procedure takes an hour and may require an overnight hospital stay.

Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG)

  • A gastroscope (a type of endoscope) will slowly be inserted into your stomach through your throat. It consists of a light source and a camera that projects images of the stomach on a screen that guides the doctor to perform the procedure.
  • Air will be passed through the gastroscope to stretch and inflate the stomach.
  • When the stomach is visualized, your doctor will make a small incision or cut in your abdomen, and a wire is inserted into the incision and pulled through the mouth. The feeding tube (G-tube) will be attached to the wire at the mouth opening and pulled back again through the abdomen incision.
  • The tube will be secured through a "bumper" with the help of stitches, and a sterile surgical dressing will be placed over it to prevent any post-op infection.
  • The procedure will take around 30 to 45 minutes.
  • You can return home the same day after 4 to 5 hours when your doctor permits you.

Laparoscopic Gastrostomy

  • Your surgeon will make multiple keyhole-sized incisions around your umbilicus (belly button) and use gas to inflate the stomach for clear visualization.
  • A laparoscope (a medical tube-like instrument that consists of a light source and a tiny camera to project images from internally on a screen that guides the surgeon in performing surgeries) is inserted through one incision, and a wire will be threaded through the needle, and the G-tube will be guided along the wire into the stomach through other small incisions.
  • The incisions are stitched to secure the G-tube.
  • The procedure will take 45 to 60 minutes, and you will be sent home the same day.

What To Expect After A Gastrostomy?

The procedure may last up to an hour, and the following things can be expected after gastrostomy:

  • You will be shifted to a recovery room to monitor your vitals (BP, blood sugar, pulse, heart rate, etc). 
  • Once your anesthesia wears off, you may feel dizzy or nauseated and experience mild pain and discomfort, which resolves gradually. 
  • Your surgeon will prescribe pain medications to manage pain.
  • You will be given instructions regarding using the feeding tube and how to feed through it. 
  • An X-ray will be taken to ensure the tube is placed correctly.
  • Your dietician will execute a diet plan for you about the quantity and duration of feeding.
  • You will have to follow the below-given guidelines:
    • Avoid splashing water on the wound.
    • Do not soak in hot water baths.
    • Avoid movements or activities that may put you at risk of tube displacement.
    • Keep the area dry and clean to avoid infections and perforations.

What Are The Benefits and Risks of Gastrostomy?

Gastrostomy is a safe and effective method with the following benefits and risks involved:

Benefits

  • Effectively restores feeding through the alternative feeding tube provided.
  • May also aid in additional nutrition and hydration.
  • Minimally invasive procedures guarantee quick healing and shorter recovery time.
  • The feeding tubes can be placed temporarily and removed when not in need.
  • PEG and laparoscopic methods are less traumatic and usually do not require hospitalization.

Risks

  • Allergic reactions to anesthesia may cause hives, rash, dizziness, confusion, and breathing problems.
  • Bleeding at the surgical site during or after the procedure.
  • Risk of infection with high-grade fever (>104?), redness, and warmth around the incision.
  • A dislodged, blocked, or clogged tube.
  • Excessive drainage from the tube.
  • There is a risk of pink tissue emerging from around the tube (granulation tissue).
  • Trouble passing gas or painful bowel movements.

Why Choose Medfin?

Surgery can be a daunting aspect, and feeling anxious is absolutely normal. The massive amount of information you can get from the internet may confuse you even more. This is where Medfin can help. Leave us the hefty task of finding the best hospital, the finest doctor, and the latest procedure at the lowest cost. Let us take charge while you sit back and focus on your health and recovery. Think Surgery! Think Medfin!

The power of Medfin in patient’s words

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“ Got to know about them from my friend. They got an appointment for only 299. Once the doctor confirmed that I needed the surgery they got me a fixed cost which included ALL the costs. No extra amounts were charged. Thank you Medfin”

Suresh Menon Hyderabad 8 days ago
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“ After my consultation with the doctor, MEDFIN representative got me a fixed package cost that included my mothers initial tests, surgery cost. They also gave me stockings free for Rs. 3000 post the surgery. They kept up their promise they made”

Radhika Iyer Mumbai 8 days ago
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“ Thank you Medfin. They ensured the whole process from selecting a very experienced doctor to offering the latest procedure at a very reasonable price. They also arranged a follow up post my surgery with the doctor to ensure my recovery was on track. Thank you for being there throughout”

Deepa Shree Bangalore 8 days ago
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