Dislodged Gastrostomy Tube (G-Tube): How to Care for Your Child

Even with all of the right care, a gastrostomy (G-tube) sometimes gets dislodged (comes out of place).

If the G-tube (either a long tube or flat "button") falls out of place, the hole can begin to close. The G-tube needs to be put back quickly (within 4 hours).

Children can dislodge a G-tube by pulling on it or by rolling over during sleep or getting it caught in something. The healing skin around the stoma, or opening, can push the G-tube out of place. The health care provider may prescribe creams or ointments to help the skin heal.

Your child's G-tube has been replaced and has been checked by the health care provider. Sometimes the health care provider may order a test to look for correct placement. It is now functioning normally.

• Watch for signs of leakage onto the skin around the stoma.

• Wash your hands before touching the G-tube.

• Keep the area around the stoma clean and dry.

• Put mittens on your child's hands before bed to keep your child from pulling on the tube while sleeping.

• Apply prescription creams or ointments as directed.

• If the health care provider prescribed antibiotics, make sure your child takes the entire course of medication as directed.

• Always keep an extra tube of your child's specific type and size handy, so it can be replaced quickly and easily either by you or by the health care provider.

Your child:

• Has leaking of fluid on the skin around the stoma.

• Has soft, moist, pink-red tissue (called granulation tissue) coming out from around the G-tube.

• Begins bleeding at the tube site.

• Has a fever or signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or foul-smelling discharge.

• Develops diarrhea.

Your child:

• Develops abdominal pain or has a bloated or hard stomach.

• Has no bowel movements and can't pass gas.

• Is vomiting.

• Has trouble breathing.