G-Tube Infection Control
Gastrostomy (G) tubes are commonly used for both adults and children to receive adequate sources of nutrition in an alternate fashion. Soon after the placement of the G-tube, you or your child will adapt to tube feeding and quickly get into a feeding routine. Alongside the consistency of having a feeding schedule, you should aim to stay consistent with proper G-tube infection control. There are common complications and risks associated with G-tube sites that oftentimes are overlooked, one of them including the chances of encountering an infection. Prioritizing good hygiene and following proper cleanliness protocols will limit the chances of you or your child acquiring a G-tube infection and ensure you or your child can continue to reap all the positive benefits G-Tubes have to offer.
Follow these daily gastrostomy tube infection control tips to ensure you are actively preventing G-Tube infectionfor you, your child, or anyone you encounter with a gastrostomy tube site.
DAILY G-TUBE INFECTION CONTROL TIPS
PRACTICE GOOD HYGIENE
Ensure that anyone who is encountering the G-Tube site washes their hands with soap and water before touching the formula, feeding equipment, and site itself.
While using medical gloves is not mandatory when caring for someone who uses a gastrostomy tube, ensure all cuts and wounds are covered on your hands, wrists, and any exposed area that may encounter the G-Tube site to limit the risk of a gastrostomy tube infection.
CLEAN & DRY THE STOMA SITE
Gently clean the area with a cotton swab or gauze with mild soap and water twice a day to limit the chances of encountering a gastrostomy tube infection.
Remove any drainage crust from the skin and tube
Rinse with clean water and pat dry. Be sure to dry around the tube and under the external bumper
CLEAN EQUIPMENT PROPERLY
Pump: Click here to learn how to clean your feeding pump (enteral education page)
Feeding Bags: Rinse with warm water after each feeding and discard after 24 hours.
Extension Sets: Flush after each usage and every few weeks at minimum to limit chances of a G-tube infection.
ENSURE FORMULA IS SAFE
Wipe down the container of formula to ensure no external bacteria will enter.
Formula, once opened, is at risk of bacterial contamination and can lead to gastrostomy tube infections. Check expiration dates and talk to your dietician/nurse about how long your formula can hang in a feeding bag.
ASK YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT SITE DRESSINGS
Dressings are not normally required following the insertion of a gastrostomy tube. Check with your doctor.
Never place dressings under the bumper even if there is ooze; this places unnecessary pressure on the gastrostomy site and can lead to complications or G-Tube infections.
MONITOR GRANULATED TISSUE
Over time you may notice dark pink- fleshy tissue that grows around the stoma site. This is known as proud flesh/granulation tissue and is quite common.
Granulated tissue can be left alone unless it causes pain, bleeds, or leaks. If this is the case, please contact your doctor. It can be left alone unless it causes:
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF INFECTION
If you believe you or your child has encountered a gastrostomy tube infection, look for these signs:
Redness
Swelling or pain around the site
Yellow-green or foul-smelling discharge
Firm or hard spots
Site is warm to the touch
If you or your child experiences any of these signs or is showing any alarming symptoms, it is important to notify your doctor right away. Note that these are not the only signs and symptoms for a G-Tube infection and a G-Tube infection may still occur even if you follow proper protocols.