Discharge advice following a gastrostomy tube removal
This page gives you information about the care following the removal of your feeding tube.
Your feeding tube has now been removed by traction and the stoma site (the hole the tube has come out of) should heal up quickly, usually within 24 hours.
Some feeding tubes require endoscopic removal; this would be done under sedation.
Sedation
The medications used for sedation can remain in the body for at least 24 hours, gradually wearing off.
It is therefore very important that a capable adult is available to take you home and stay with you for the next 24 hours.
It is also important that for the next 24 hours you follow the advice below:
- You should not drive or ride a bicycle as your reflexes and judgement will be impaired.
- Sedation can make you unsteady on your feet. Please be careful on stairs and have someone with you if you feel unsteady.
- Your judgement may be affected so do not make any important decisions or sign any legal documents.
- Be careful if using social media.
- You should not return to work, look after dependents, cook or operate machinery.
- You should not drink any alcohol or take sleeping tablets.
When can I eat and drink?
You must not have anything to eat or drink for 6 hours after your feeding tube has been removed. This will allow time for the stoma site to close and begin to heal. Once the 6 hours have passed, please try fluids first. If there is no leaking from the stoma site then move onto a normal diet.
After the procedure
- A gauze pad will cover the stoma site where the feeding tube has been removed. Keep the area clean and dry until you remove the gauze pad 24 hours after the feeding tube has been removed.
- You should check the stoma site regularly watching out for any redness, swelling, inflammation, tenderness or an unpleasant odour as these are signs of infection. If you notice any of these signs, please contact your GP for advice.
Contact information
If you have any concerns or questions please contact:
Endoscopy Unit Gloucestershire Royal Hospital
Tel: 0300 422 8222
Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 6:00pm
Cheltenham General Hospital
Tel: 0300 422 3593
Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 6:00pm
Enteral Nutrition Nurse Specialists
Tel: 0300 422 5645
Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm
Outside of these hours please contact your GP or NHS 111 for advice.
NHS 111
Tel: 111
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