Gastrostomy Tube (G-Tube) Removal: What to Expect at Home

You had a procedure to remove a gastrostomy tube, or G-tube. This tube is also called a gastrostomy feeding tube, stomach tube, or PEG tube. The G-tube was inserted through your belly (abdominal) wall and into your stomach. The tube provided you with food, fluids, and medicine.

After the G-tube is removed, the gastrostomy site will be covered with a clean dressing until the opening (or stoma) that was used for the tube closes. This usually happens within 24 to 72 hours of the G-tube being removed.

• Rest when you feel tired. Getting enough sleep will help you recover.
• Be as active as you can every day. For many people, walking is a good choice.
• Ask your doctor when you can drive again.
• Until your doctor says it is okay, avoid lifting anything that would make you strain. This may include heavy grocery bags and milk containers, a heavy briefcase or backpack, cat litter or dog food bags, a vacuum cleaner, or a child.
• You may shower 24 to 48 hours after the procedure, if your doctor okays it. Pat the area where the tube was clean and dry. Do not take a bath for the first 2 weeks, or until your doctor tells you it is okay.

• Follow your doctor's instructions about eating and drinking.

• Your doctor will tell you if and when you can restart your medicines. You will also be given instructions about taking any new medicines.
• If you stopped taking aspirin or some other blood thinner, your doctor will tell you when to start taking it again.
• Be safe with medicines. Take pain medicines exactly as directed.
  • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
  • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
  • Store your prescription pain medicines where no one else can get to them. When you are done using them, dispose of them quickly and safely. Your local pharmacy or hospital may have a drop-off site.

• Wash your hands with soap and clean, running water for at least 20 seconds before and after touching the area where your tube was.
• Wash the area daily with warm water, and pat it dry. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol. They can slow healing.
• Change the bandage every day.
• Keep the area where your tube was clean and dry as it heals. You will have a light, dry cover or a bandage over it to help the area heal and to protect it. Your doctor will tell you how to take care of this.

Call911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• You passed out (lost consciousness).
• You have trouble breathing.
• You have sudden chest pain and shortness of breath, or you cough up blood.
• You have severe belly pain.

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You have new or worse pain.
• You have pain that does not get better after you take pain medicine.
• Your belly feels hard.
• You have severe or constant belly pain. (Seek immediate medical care.)
• You have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Bright red blood soaks through the cover or bandage.
• You have stomach fluid or more drainage coming from the opening where the tube was.
• Pink-red tissue is coming out of the opening where the tube was.
• You have symptoms of infection, such as:
  • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
  • Red streaks leading from the area.
  • Bleeding, pus draining, or a foul odor coming from the area.
  • A fever.

Watch closely for any changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• You do not get better as expected.