Surgery.com / Gastroenterology / Gastrostomy

Information

Doctor Certified

Last updated: 11/24/2009

Definition

Gastrostomy is a surgical procedure for inserting a tube through the abdomen wall and into the stomach. The tube, called a "g-tube," is used for feeding or drainage.



NEXT:
2. Purpose
CURRENT:
1. Definition

Advertisement

While a colonoscopy is a procedure that uses a thin, flexible tube to view the lower gastrointestinal tract, the upper GI tract can be viewed as well. In a gastroscopy or what is more completely called an EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) uses a similar scope to investigate the inside of the esophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine.

Related Videos

ROSE Procedure Animation

The ROSE procedure helps patients that have had gastric bypass surgery but are starting to gain weight again. As the video shows, the procedure is "incisionless" because it is performed endoscopically with a thin tube placed down the esophagus. The stomach and esophagus are narrowed as a result of the ROSE procedure.

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Provides a detailed graphic animation of the roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure. It also explains how this bariatric surgery achieves weight loss.

Laparoscopic Appendicectomy (Appendectomy)

This video contains actual footage of an appendectomy. The procedure is being performed laparoscopically and shows what the surgeon sees through the small camera inserted into the body. This video may be difficult for some viewers since it shows surgery on actual human tissue.

Sleeve Gastrectomy Animation

A large portion of the stomach is removed during a sleeve gastrectomy. This video provides a 3D animation of how the procedure is performed and what the gastrointestinal system looks like afterwards.

For a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy procedure, the stomach is inflated with air (A). An incision is made into the abdomen and the stomach, and a plastic cannula is inserted (B). A catheter is inserted into the patient's mouth, pulled down the esophagus, and into the stomach (C). When the catheter is in place, access to the stomach is maintained (D). (Illustration by GGS Inc.) For a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy procedure, the stomach is inflated with air (A). An incision is made into the abdomen and the stomach, and a plastic cannula is inserted (B). A catheter is inserted into the patient's mouth, pulled down the esophagus, and into the stomach (C). When the catheter is in place, access to the stomach is maintained (D). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)




Other Information

Gastrostomy refers to a surgical opening into the stomach. Creation of an artificial external opening into the stomach for nutritional support or gastrointestinal compression. Typically this would include an incision in the patient's epigastrium as part of a formal operation. It can be performed through surgical approach or percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG).

The opening may be used for feeding, such as with a gastrostomy tube.


From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gastrostomy

Other Information

Biliary colic is the presenting symptom in 80% of patients with gallstone disease who seek medical care; however, only 10-20% of all individuals with gallstones experience severe gallstone pain.


From: eMedicine

Find a Qualified Specialist

Looking for a specialist?

Please enter your zip code.

 

Popular Surgery Topics

Home    |     Sitemap    |     Providers    |     Terms    |     Contact    |     Advertising    |     About    |     Top
Tags:     Gastroenterology