In such instances, feeding tubes may serve as the only way to provide much-needed nutrients and/or medications.
This is known as enteral nutrition.
You may also receive an IV antibiotic to prevent infection.
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The entire procedure takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
You are usually able to go home the same day.
There may also be some fluid leakage around the incision site.
These side effects should decrease within 24 to 48 hours.
Typically, you’re free to remove the bandage after a day or two.
Your healthcare provider will tell you when it is OK to shower or bathe.
Living with a PEG Tube
It takes time to adjust to a feeding tube.
(Rarely, people with PEG tubes can still eat via the mouth.)
Products designed for tube feeding are formulated to provide all the nutrients you’ll need.
The plug or cap on the end of the tube will prevent any formula from leaking onto your clothes.
PEG tubes can last for months or years.
A 2016 study looked at 100 patients who had received a feeding tube.
Three months later, the patients and/or caregivers were interviewed.
The authors concluded that while the tubes didn’t improve QoL for patients, their QoL didn’t decrease.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you check PEG tube placement?
This can help you confirm that the tube is in the correct position.
How do you clean a PEG tube?
How do you unclog a PEG tube?
First, take a stab at flush the tube as you normally do before and after feedings.
A blockage can occur if the tube isn’t flushed or if the feeding formula is too thick.
If the tube won’t clear, call your healthcare provider.
Never use a wire or anything else to make a run at unclog the tube.
How do you stop a PEG tube from leaking?
A leaking tube may be blocked.
If that doesn’t work, call your healthcare provider.
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.Understanding percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG).
2019;11(5).
doi:10.3390/nu11051046
Cleveland Clinic.Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG tube).
2016;3(1):e000098corr1.
doi:10.1136/bmjgast-2016-000098
U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Medline Plus.PEG tube insertion - discharge.
The Oral Cancer Foundation.PEG feeding overview.
Michigan Medicine:Living with a feeding tube.
2017 Jul;15(7):1047-1054. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2016.10.032
