What happens after my procedure?
Most people can go home after being watched in the recovery area. Wait until your clinician says it is safe to use the feeding tube, usually 24 hours.
How should I take care of my feeding tube?
You will be taught how to use and flush the tube.
Wait until 48 hours after the procedure to take a shower.
Keep the site where the feeding tube enters your skin dry and clean. Dry the tube site well. Put a new dressing after the shower.
Change the dressing every day and after showering.
Do not use creams or medicines on the tube site unless your clinician says it is OK.
Do not soak the tube site (bath or pool) while you have the tube.
If you have been told to crush your medicines, you must COMPLETELY dissolve the medicine in water before putting them in the tube. Then flush immediately until the tube is clean.
Flush the tube with at least 20 mL of water before and after each use to prevent clogging. Flush it at least once a day when not using it.
Each day, gently wiggle and spin the tube.
Symptoms you may notice:
You may feel groggy from the medicines used to keep you comfortable. Headache and nausea may occur but usually do not last longer than 12-24 hours.
You may have soreness and bruising around the wound.
When to call your clinician or 911?
Fever of 100.41°F (38°C) or higher
Cannot pass stool or gas
Red streaks, redness, pain or swelling around the tube
Uncontrollable pain or cramping
Pus draining around the tube
Tube falls out, pulls back, breaks or leaks (do NOT try to replace or fix it yourself)