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PEG
(Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy)
Or Gastrostomy |
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Caring For The Gastrostomy
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| Looking after the skin and stoma site |
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| No pulling |
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| Do not pull on the tube as it can dislodge. Secure
the free end of the tube with tape on the abdomen or on your clothes. |
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| Clean and Dry |
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Always keep the area clean and
dry. |
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You may bathe as usual. The area around the
tube should be last to be washed and first to be dried. |
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Clean the skin around the tube with mild soap
and water during bath-time. |
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Use a cotton-tip to clean under the bolster. |
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Dry completely after cleaning. |
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| Exudates |
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| If there is exudate (leaking stomach
juices) around the tube, clean it away with a wet tissue. For excessive
exudates, tuck a piece of gauze under each side of the bolster to
absorb it. This should not be left to soak the area but will have
to be changed frequently, whenever soiled. |
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| Observe |
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| Observe the skin around the tube and under the bolster
for signs of irritation, such as: - |
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Redness |
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Discharge |
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Swelling |
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Soreness |
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| If there is irritation, the area should be cleaned
more frequently. Use tissues wet with boiled water. A barrier cream
can be applied to protect the skin around the stoma. |
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| Looking after the tube |
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| Preventing blockage |
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It is important to ensure the tube does not get
blocked.
Flushing lukewarm water through the tube before and after feeding
and/or medication helps to ensure its patency. |
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| Clearing blockage |
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Sometimes, residues from feeds or medication can
block the flow in the tube.
To clear a blocked tube:
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Flush tube with a
syringe filled with lukewarm water using gentle pressure on
the plunger. |
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Milk tube with fingers to loosen
food or medicine particles. |
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Flush a fizzy drink through the
tube. The bubbles help to loosen the blockage. |
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| What should you do if the tube falls out accidentally? |
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The tube needs to be replaced as quickly as possible.
Firstly, clean the area and then cover with sterile gauze and tape.
Then, come immediately to the hospital for a new tube to be inserted. |
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