Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy: Before Your Child's Procedure
What is percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy?
Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a procedure to make an
opening between the skin of your child's belly and stomach. The
doctor will put a thin tube called a gastrostomy tube into your
child's stomach through the opening. This tube is sometimes called a
G-tube, a PEG tube, or a feeding tube. The tube can put liquid
nutrition, fluid, and medicines directly into the stomach. The tube
also may be used to drain liquid or air from the stomach.
The doctor will put a thin, lighted tube (scope) into your child's
mouth. The scope is used to guide the feeding tube to the stomach.
The doctor will pull the end of the tube through an incision in your
child's belly. This end of the tube stays outside the body.
You will probably be able to take your child home on the day of the
procedure or the day after. Before you take your child home, the
doctor or nurse will teach you how to use and care for the feeding
tube.
How do you prepare for the procedure?
Procedures can be stressful for both your child and you. This
information will help you understand what you can expect. And it
will help you safely prepare for your child's procedure.
Preparing for the procedure
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Talk to your child about the procedure. Say that it will
help your child get the food, liquids, and medicines
needed to stay healthy. Hospitals know how to take care of
children. The staff will do all they can to make it easier
for your child.
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Tell the doctor ALL the medicines, vitamins, supplements,
and herbal remedies your child takes. Some may increase
the risk of problems during the procedure. Your doctor
will tell you if your child should stop taking any of them
before the procedure and how soon to do it.
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The day before the procedure
What happens on the day of the procedure?
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Follow the instructions exactly about when your child should stop
eating and drinking. If you don't, the procedure may be canceled.
If your doctor told you to have your child take any medicines on
the day of the procedure, have your child take them with only a
sip of water.
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Follow the doctor's instructions about when your child should
bathe or shower before the procedure. Do not apply lotion or
deodorant.
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Your child may brush their teeth. But tell your child not to
swallow any toothpaste or water.
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Do not let your child wear contact lenses. Bring your child's
glasses or contact lens case.
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Be sure your child has something that's a reminder of home. A
special stuffed animal, toy, or blanket may be comforting. For an
older child, it might be a book or music.
At the hospital or surgery center
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A parent or legal guardian must accompany your child.
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Your child will be kept comfortable and safe by the anesthesia
provider. Your child will be asleep during the procedure.
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The procedure will take about 30 to 45 minutes.
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After the procedure, your child will be taken to the recovery
room. As your child wakes up, the recovery staff will monitor your
child's condition. The doctor will talk to you about the
procedure.
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Your child will have a feeding tube coming out of the incision in
their belly. They may have gauze around the incision. They may
have a plastic bag attached to the end of their feeding tube. The
bag will be removed before they go home.
When should you call your doctor?
Current as of: October 19, 2023
Content Version: 14.0
Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare
professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or
this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional.
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