G-tube site infection

[dinkymouse]

What type of treatment would you use on an insertion site of a g-tube that has become infected? Our wound nurse is using 4X4's cut with a space to fit around the site. The 4x4 strings are getting caught on the plastic thing the tube fits through and also are going down into the fistula. The dressing is total yuk by the time it gets changed. We talked to her about sponge dressings but she doesn't like them.

[unknown99, BSN, RN]

What type of treatment would you use on an insertion site of a g-tube that has become infected? Our wound nurse is using 4X4's cut with a space to fit around the site. The 4x4 strings are getting caught on the plastic thing the tube fits through and also are going down into the fistula. The dressing is total yuk by the time it gets changed. We talked to her about sponge dressings but she doesn't like them.

The 4x4s should not be put between the patients skin and the plastic disk. This in itself can cause skin breakdown. Cleanse the area gently with mild soap and H2O, get an order for Nystatin cream or Lotrisone, or any antifungal, and to cover, if you have to cover it (best to leave open to air), use what is called drain dressings. The split is already on the dressing. If those are not available, you can use the 4x4s, but be sure to put tape around all edges prior to placing it on the patient.

Hope this helps.

[txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN]

We have has several problems with tubes becoming infected. We always culture and then treat with ABT's. We usually have an order to clean with NS then apply TAO and cover with drain sponge. Now the drain sponge and 4x4 look alike but are made of different material. The 4x4 will be stringy but the drain sponge should stay intact and with a little NS applied prior to removal should work great. However, I am not a great wound nurse , I concentrate in the area of meds ....

[Shanny246]

Stomahesive powder works wonders for g tube sites! Clean site with saline, pat dry, and then put lots of pewder around the site. Also try 2x2 split gauze to keep site from getting moist.

http://www.southwestmedical.com/images/products/images/SQB025510.jpg

[princess17]

Hello,

I am 17 years old and I have a G-tube mickey button and was just wondering if the G-tubes can case infections. I am starting to swell up where it is. I was just asking if for some reason you could get "Staph Infection". Let me know.

Thanks,

Sarah