A gastrostomy is an opening in the stomach surgically created usually under a general anesthetic. A gastrostomy tube, also known as a G-tube, is fitted into the surgical opening to allow feeding or to allow venting of stomach gas. If your child cannot consume enough nutrition to grow and develop properly, then food can be given through a G-tube. Another reason to insert a g-tube is if your child’s stomach needs a way to get rid of stomach gas, because of a stomach wrap procedure, to prevent food from coming back up.

Up to seventy percent of infants born, either prematurely or with chronic medical conditions, display evidence of feeding problems. Severe feeding and swallowing problems are rarely isolated disorders in infants and children. Usually the feeding problem relates to neurological, respiratory, gastrointestinal, mechanical, or structural problems.

Some of the disorders which typically display problems with feeding and swallowing are cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, encephalopathy, traumatic brain injuries, failure to thrive, cleft pallet, Down Syndrome, prematurity, and congenital cardiac anomalies. G-tube feeding may be necessary for a short time, for years, or for a lifetime depending on the disorder and the associated difficulties.

There are several ways to feed the liquids through the tube. Bolus is a common way in which larger feedings of formula are given only three to six times per day. You can disconnect the tube after feeding, or leave it connected if you close the end off by a valve, similar to the valves used on children’s inflatable beach toys. Some children may also be able to consume some of their nutrition orally if the tube was inserted as a way to supplement feeding.

Another method is to feed continuously using a feeding pump, which better regulates the amount and rate of food intake. The formula is infused into the child for the prescribed period, which allows for better digestion and decreases the risk of aspiration. This method is usually done while the child is sleeping at night.

The choice of feeding methods is usually based on an individual's lifestyle and ability to cope with a particular feeding regime. If a person is out or traveling frequently a syringe for bolus feeding, is much easier to transport than a pump. Another advantage of bolus feeding is liquid medications may be administered through the tube.

Some common store brands of formulas used to feed through a g-tube are Ensure, Jevity, NuBasics, Boost, and Isocal. Most come in 8 oz. cans and contain 250 calories. Some people use homemade formulas prepared from cooked table foods that they blend. This must be done with caution to prevent clogging the tube and the stoma itself. Follow the advice of a physician and dietician about the type of food and the quantity required. Adequate cleaning is also required because old foods left in tubing and other apparatus can lead to infection.

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