Foley caths as g tubes

CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN · Sep 20, 2005

What about a Mic tube...not sure if its a brand name or what. They are white and thicker. We've switched all of our tubes to Compact brand and they seem to hold up.

lpn1313 · Sep 20, 2005

Do those need to be surgically placed or can they be inserted at the facility?

truern · Sep 20, 2005

Okay here's the problem. "Annie" removeed her peg tube a few days ago. The doc said that we should just use a foley cath as a g tube. No problem, it's less traumatic if she pulls it out again. Our problem is that the balloons are shredding in her stomach. The one that was put in at 0545 today was shredded by 1445. We've switched to 100% silicone caths hoping that they will last longer. Anyone else have this problem? Got any suggestions? She's not the only one in the facility with this type of g tube, but no one else's is shredding like this. Oh yeah, she's on a PPI already.

I thought that was only a temporary measure until another g tube was placed??

DutchgirlRN, ASN, RN · Sep 20, 2005

A Mickey G-tube is placed under anesthesia. The tube locks into place, kind of like a lure-lock. The Mickey button is all you see on the outside. You only hook on the tube when feeding or giving meds. It's a very easy system to use and the Mickey button is easily replaced if pulled out.

LMSTEPHENS · Sep 20, 2005

Okay here's the problem. "Annie" removeed her peg tube a few days ago. The doc said that we should just use a foley cath as a g tube. No problem, it's less traumatic if she pulls it out again. Our problem is that the balloons are shredding in her stomach. The one that was put in at 0545 today was shredded by 1445. We've switched to 100% silicone caths hoping that they will last longer. Anyone else have this problem? Got any suggestions? She's not the only one in the facility with this type of g tube, but no one else's is shredding like this. Oh yeah, she's on a PPI already.

The foley is a "quick and effective fix" when a more permenent feeding tube such as the MIC, which I recommend, is not available. However to prevent "digestion" of the foley you have to position the tube properly. Try this next time... remove the flat disc positioner from the "old"feeding tube and slide it on the foley catheter before insertion and then after insertion and inflation pull the disc down flush with the abdomen while holding the foley firmly to avoid dislodging. If the disc isn't available securely tape the foley in place, but this will require frequent tape changes to maintain placement.Let me know how this works or if you have any further discussion. Good Luck!

suzanne4, RN · Sep 20, 2005

Do those need to be surgically placed or can they be inserted at the facility?

The patient has already had the procedure done. The Mickey can be placed thru the same opening. The key is to get something in there as quickly as possible so that the opeing doesn't close, the sooner, the easier.

Think of it as similar to getting your ears pierced. If you remove the trainer and do not get something in right away, within a few days that hols is going to close, same thing with the G-tube opening, only it will close quicker.

southern_rn_brat · Sep 23, 2005

It used to be standard practice for us to replace Gtubes at our facility. A foley would be used if need be. Something happened at another nursing home in town when an RN replaced the Gtube and there is a lawsuit pending. Needless to say, now we dont even insert a foley to keep the stoma patent until it can be replaced. Problem is...that sucks for the patient that has to have yet another procedure, another hospital visit and another ambulance bill