Hypergranulation tissue

Hypergranulation tissue

Hypergranulation tissue is believed to occur as a result of an extended inflammatory response. We believe it may be caused by a reaction to the tube - the body is in fact "walling off" the tube. Pressure, moisture and friction may also contribute to the development of hypergranulation tissue. Hypergranulation tissue is the body’s way to fight the gastrostomy tube - the body does not think the tube belongs there.

• Hypergranulation tissue is not harmful.
• Hypergranulation tissue is red, moist and bleeds when rubbed.
• Hypergranulation tissue oozes a yellow, sticky drainage.
• Hypergranulation tissue can affect how the gastrostomy or jejunostomy tube fits in the stoma.
• Hypergranulation tissue is common in the first 3 months.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  If granulation tissue occurs
  
  Call your nurse of doctor to ask about silver nitrate sticks – they help to remove the hypergranulation tissue. Currently we recommend that the site be kept as clean and dry as possible. We treat the tissue with either silver nitrate sticks or a low dose cortisone cream (Triacet 0.1%) for 5-7 days.
  
  For Silver Nitrate application - the following steps are done once a day for five days:
  
• Put a layer of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) on the healthy skin around the granulation tissue before using the silver nitrate stick – the silver nitrate will injure the healthy skin.
• Moisten the tip of the silver nitrate stick with water.
• Touch the silver nitrate stick onto the granulation tissue – red, raised skin.
• Protect clothing from being stained by the silver nitrate (will turn black) by putting a small gauze square over the area and taping it.
• If there is no improvement in five to seven days, call the nurse or doctor.