Type of Surgery
Information
Last updated: 11/24/2009
Immediately after the operation, the patient is fed intravenously for at least 24 hours. Once bowel sounds are heard, indicating that the gastrointestinal system is working, the patient can begin clear liquid feedings through the tube. The size of the feedings is gradually increased.
Patient education concerning use and care of the gastrostomy tube is very important. Patients and their families are taught how to recognize and prevent infection around the tube; how to insert food through the tube; how to handle tube blockage; what to do if the tube pulls out; and what normal activities can be resumed.
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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.
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.
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
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