G-Tube replacement

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Specializes in Home Health, Med Surg, Ambulatory Surg.

Has anyone heard of cutting off a g-tube and allowing the tip to stay in the patients stomach to be "passed"? One of our nurses did not read our policy/procedure--she said this is done "all the time" in nursing homes (her previous experience). I have never heard of this. We usually deflate the balloon, and pull the entire thing. This is my first post, so I will anxiously be awaiting your replys!:)

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Specializes in Nursery,OB-GYN,Dr. Office pulmonologist.

Never heard of such a thing. Why would she do that, even if every one else at NH did it.:bugeyes:

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i have heard of this,,,,the ones that are a like a foley with balloon, you deflate the balloon,,,,the ones with discs are cut

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First time I've heard of this. Maybe someone could check the product info that comes with the device and see if it is a recommended practice. I would guess that it is not. Ask a gastroenterologist if you get a chance.

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Background and aims: The standard method of removing percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tubes is by gastroscopy. This has implications for endoscopy time and resources, and we believe is not always necessary. Depending on the type of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube used we often used the 'cut and push' method. This involves cutting the catheter at skin level and allowing the tube and internal bumper to spontaneously pass. The cut and push method also represents a considerable resource saving compared to the endoscopic method that we think warrants further discussion.

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