Digestive Disorders Health Center
Feeding Tube Placement
If a person is having trouble swallowing and can't consume enough food or liquids by mouth, a feeding tube is put in through a procedure called percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). During the procedure the tube is placed in the stomach for enteral feeding (feeding directly through the gastrointestinal tract) to occur.
How Do I Prepare for a Feeding Tube?
Before you get a feeding tube, tell the doctor if you have a lung or heart condition, or if you are allergic to any medications.
If you have diabetes and use insulin, you may need to adjust the dosage of insulin the day of the procedure. Your diabetes care provider should be called to help you with this adjustment. Bring your diabetes medication with you so you can take it after the procedure.
Tell your doctor if you are taking blood-thinning medications such as aspirin, Coumadin, Persantine, or Plavix. You may need an alternate method for thinning your blood before the procedure.
For the week before the procedure, do not take aspirin, products containing aspirin, or anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Naprosyn, and Indocin) unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Do not discontinue any medication without first consulting with your doctor.
Lastly, you will need to stay overnight in the hospital after the procedure, so please pack any personal items that you may need.
You will meet with a doctor, dietitian, and home care coordinator. They will review your history, discuss the procedure and answer any questions you might have.
Tell the doctor if you have a lung or heart condition, or if you are allergic to any medications.
If you have diabetes and use insulin, you may need to adjust the dosage of insulin the day of the procedure. Your diabetes care provider should be called to help you with this adjustment. Bring your diabetes medication with you so you can take it after the procedure.
Tell your doctor if you are taking blood-thinning medications such as aspirin, Coumadin, Persantine, or Plavix. You may need an alternate method for thinning your blood before the procedure.
For the week before the procedure, do not take aspirin, products containing aspirin, or anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Naprosyn, and Indocin) unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Do not discontinue any medication without first consulting with your doctor.
Lastly, you will need to stay overnight in the hospital after the procedure, so please pack any personal items that you may need.
Can I Eat Before Getting a Feeding Tube?
Do not eat or drink anything for eight hours before getting a feeding tube put in.
WebMD Medical Reference
