GJ tube falls out

Do not panic

Remember to always carry a replacement tube with you.

If the stoma is new (the tube has been in for less than six weeks): 

• Cover the stoma with a clean gauze or cloth. 
• You need to have a doctor put the tube back in as soon as possible (within two hours). 
• The stoma will close pretty quickly (we usually say four to six hours).

If the stoma is more than six weeks old: 

• You need to place a feeding tube into the stoma as soon as possible. 
• You will have to use the Foley catheter from your emergency kit to keep the stoma/hole open until a new GJ tube can be reinserted. 

Steps to reinserting a gastrostomy tube (even if you child/youth does not tolerate feeds via the stomach - you still need to place the tube to keep the stoma open)

1. Gather equipment: 

• feeding tube (Foley catheter or skin level tube) 
• wash cloth 
• tape 
• 5ml syringe – to inflate the balloon 
• 5ml water – to inflate the balloon 
• water
• soluble lubricant (like KY jelly)

2. Draw up 5ml of water into the syringe.

3. Check the balloon on the new tube before putting it into the stoma by inflating the balloon with 5ml of water.

4. Deflate the balloon by pulling the water back into the syringe.
 
5. Moisten the end of the tube with water or water-soluble lubricant (to make the tube go in easier).
 
6. Insert the new tube about two inches into the stoma.



7. Inflate balloon with the 5ml of water in the syringe – remove the empty syringe from the tube.

8. Gently pull back on the tube – to feel it snug against the stomach wall.
 
9. Clean and dry the skin – tape the tube to the skin to secure.

10. You will need to arrange to have the GJ tube replaced. 

If your child can not have medications and/or fluids via the stomach (GT)– you will need to go to the hospital for intravenous fluid until an appointment can be booked to have your tube changed.

Your primary healthcare physician will need to arrange to have the GJ tube replaced in the Xray department.