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Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Tubes
(P.E.G.) - Tube Removal |
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Your Gastrostomy tube needs to be removed |
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| Your doctor has asked us to remove
your percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube (P.E.G. tube Removal).
This is a simple procedure involving the removal of the
existing feeding tube. It may or may not involve a gastroscopy,
depending on the type of tube you currently have in place. A
gastroscopy is an examination, which allows the doctor to look
directly at the inside of your gullet (oesophagus), stomach, and
first part of the small bowel (duodenum). This is done by
passing a narrow flexible tube through the mouth into the
stomach. |
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How to Prepare |
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Your stomach needs to be empty so the
doctor can see clearly.
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Morning Appointments |
Afternoon Appointments |
| Have nothing to eat or
drink and/or nothing through your feeding tube after 10 pm
the night before the procedure |
Have nothing to eat or
drink and/or nothing through your feeding tube after a light
breakfast at 7am on the day of your procedure |
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| Usual medications may be taken up to 1
hour before the procedure, with a small amount of water. Avoid
taking antacids e.g. Mylanta.
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What to Expect
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The way your existing tube is removed
depends on the type it is. Mostly, it can be gently pulled out by
external traction. A doctor or nurse who is experienced in this
technique will do this.
When you arrive at the department a doctor or nurse will look at
your P.E.G. tube and assess the most appropriate way to remove it.
If you require a gastroscopy, or need medication to keep you
comofortable, an injection port will be inserted into a vein in your
arm. Medication will be given through it to keep you relaxed and
comfortable. If you have medication you will need to rest in the
department after the P.E.G. tube is removed. Medication may affect
your activities. Please defer from the following for 24 hours:
- driving
- operate machinery
- undertake strenuous activity
- drink alcohol
- going to work
You must not take public transport home unaccompanied. Please
arrange for someone to collect you from the department and drive
you home. If transport is problematic for you, please discuss
this with the gastroenterology nurse during your pre-procedure
telephone conversation. You may resume your usual routine after
24 hours.
If you do not require medication for your procedure, you will
be able to leave straight away and resume your usual activities
immediately.
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| After
the examination
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| Once the P.E.G. is removed your nurse
will monitor you until you are ready to go home.
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Potential Complications
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P.E.G. tube removal is relatively uncomplicated, but occasionally
problems arise. Bleeding or infection can occur around the tube
placement site, and infrequently damage to other abdominal organs
may occur. These complications are rare, and the majority of people
will have the procedure performed in a straightforward manner. If
you or your representative wish to know more details of rare
complications, please indicate to your nurse that you wish to
discuss all complications fully with the doctor.
Gastroscopy is a safe procedure and complications are very rare.
Major complications occur once in every 7000 procedures. If you have
a gastroscopy you may experience a sore throat for a day or two.
Please note that if you have a crown or bridging work on your teeth,
these may be at risk during the procedure. This can be avoided
simply by not biting the mouthguard or grinding your teeth during
the gastroscopy.
If you wish to discuss risks further with the doctor, please
indicate this to your nurse.
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All about the removal of
your
P.E.G. Tube
Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Tube
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Please phone the gastroenterology nurse for instructions about
taking your medication if you are a diabetic, or are using
blood-thinning medication (warfarin, asprin). Contact can be
made through the hospital paging system. Telephone (09) 358 0825
and enter 7357
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Ministry of Health
