![]() ![]() If the G-tube is new, notify the physician who placed it. A new G-tube needs about 2 -3 weeks to form a tract. The most important historical points are: (1) how long has the patient had a G-tube, (2) any problems with administering feedings or medications through the tube, (3) and how long has the G-tube been out. Replacing a G-tube should only take a few minutes, but taking an accurate history and performing a focused physical examination is important. It will also review how to remove and/or declog these tubes. This article will discuss how replace a G-tube or J-tube. This will keep the stoma open until you have time to replace the tube. The nurse does not even have to blow up the balloon. If the replacement of the tube has to be delayed due to a preponderance of critically ill patients in the ED, then ask the nurse to place a same size Foley catheter in the stoma. However, you remember that the G-tube should not be out for more than a two hours as even an established stoma can begin to close after this amount of time. It is a very busy day in the ED and you consider skipping this patient for a few hours so that other, more ill patients can be seen. The patient’s vital signs are normal and he is triaged as a green. While working in the emergency department (ED), you note that the next patient to be seen has a chief complaint of “My G-tube fell out”. Herman, MD, FACEP (Kaweah Health Care District Emergency Medicine Program Director, Visalia, CA) // Edited by: Alex Koyfman, MD EM Attending Physician, UTSW / Parkland Memorial Hospital) and Jennifer Robertson, MD, MSEd ![]()
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