Routine care of gastrostomy tubes in adults

This topic addresses the routine care of gastrostomy tubes in adults. For information about the routine care of jejunostomy tubes, seek expert advice.

Routine care of a gastrostomy tube involves daily gentle washing around the insertion site and external disc. The site and disc are then dried. It is not uncommon for the insertion site to be slightly moist. A clean face washer or disposable cloth is recommended for cleaning and drying around the insertion site and under the disc. Dressings are not normally indicated and the gastrostomy site should be left without a dressing unless required.

The gastrostomy tube should be rotated 360 degrees each day unless otherwise contraindicated. The external disc should be checked regularly to ensure it is not putting pressure on the skin, and the position marked and recorded daily to ensure the disc has not migrated. Ensure the external disc is 0.2 to 0.5 cm from skin; this is the optimal distance to prevent pressure at the site and reduce leakage from friction and movement of the tube.

The position of the disc may need to be adjusted with changes in the patient’s weight. The gastrostomy tube must be flushed with room-temperature water before and after administering formula or medications. Medications should be administered separately, not mixed with formula or combined.