Gastrostomy Tube/Button

Gastrostomy tubes, or G tubes, are surgically placed feeding tubes that can be placed in babies and adults for feeding, hydration or even medication. G-tubes are often placed for a variety of reasons, but in babies and children, their most common reason for being placed is feeding difficulties.

Pediatric patients are growing rapidly, so if your child develops a feeding disorder or has difficulties maintaining their weight and growth, a feeding tube may be discussed. Feeding tubes are any supplemental tubes that are placed into a child’s stomach or intestinal tract to help provide them with extra nutrients to grow. Commonly, feeding tubes are placed in your child’s nose and threaded to their stomach. These tubes are called nasogastric tubes and can help children continue to obtain nutrients when they are sick or if they are resistant to eating. If your child requires a nasogastric tube for very long, then your child’s doctor may discuss a gastronomy tube, or surgically placed tube for more comfort for your child and easier use.

Reasons for Pediatric G-Tubes

Your baby, toddler or older child may need a G-tube for a variety of reasons including:

Poor calorie consumption leading to poor weight gain
Issues with swallowing function
Frequent aspiration of food into their lungs
Poor oesophageal function, or medical issues such as fistulas in their oesophagus
Higher caloric needs due to illnesses

G-Tube Placement

G-Tube placement is a surgery that will require your child to be put to sleep. Pediatric surgeons perform the G-tube placement surgery and it is considered minimally invasive. During surgery, the surgeon will make a small incision into your child’s stomach and place the G-tube. The G-tube will stay in place with a small balloon attached to its end. Your child’s balloon will be filled with water, and this will keep it in place. Typically, children heal completely from their surgery within 1-2 weeks. The G-tube is able to be used often the same day or the day after surgery.

Reference Articles

Types of G-Tubes

There are two main types of G-tubes, these include buttons or long tubes.

G-tube buttons – G tube buttons are very low profile and are often the most common G-tube placed. They have a small opening that you can “unbutton” and hook an attachment to in order to give feeds, hydration or medication. Once finished, you can close the button. G-tube buttons are very low profile, and often go unnoticed under a child’s clothes.
Longer Tubes – longer tubes are sometimes placed during G-tube surgery, but then are switched out with a button at a later date once the surgical site has healed. Longer tubes can be a few inches long, and often dangle. These tubes can be taped to your child’s stomach in multiple areas to keep it in place and keep your child from accidentally catching their tube on outside objects. They may be placed and kept if your child’s skin develops breakdown from the G-tube button.

Living with a G-Tube

If your child needs a G-tube for extra nutrition, hydration or for medication, then your physician will discuss the pros and cons of both G-tube buttons and longer tubes with you. They will also discuss how it is to live with a G-tube and how to care for one. Living with a G-tube is often very simple, and most children who need a G-tube thrive once theirs has been placed. Children can run, play, swim, and play sports with a G-tube without any issues.

Gastrostomy Tube/Button

Reasons for Pediatric G-Tubes

G-Tube Placement

Reference Articles

Types of G-Tubes

Living with a G-Tube

Conditions & Medications

References

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