A gastrostomy tube (G-tube) goes through the skin of the belly directly into the stomach. It can be a flat button (as shown below) or a long tube. Even with the right care, a G-tube sometimes can get dislodged (come out of place). If this happens, the hole (stoma) can begin to close. The G-tube needs to be put back in quickly (within 4 hours).

Your child's G-tube has been replaced and has been checked by the health care provider. It is now safe to use it as usual.

• Watch for signs of leakage onto the skin around the stoma.
• Wash your hands before and after touching the G-tube.
• Keep the area around the stoma clean and dry.
• Put mittens on your child's hands before bed to keep your child from pulling on the tube while sleeping.
• Apply prescription creams or ointments as directed.
• If the health care provider prescribed antibiotics, make sure your child takes all of them exactly as directed.
• Always keep an extra tube of your child's specific type and size handy, so it can be replaced quickly and easily either by you or by the health care provider.

• The length of the tube outside the body has changed. Do not try to adjust the tube on your own.
• The tube is clogged and you can't clear it with gentle flushing.
• The tubing splits or looks worn.

Your child:

• Has fluid leaking on the skin around the stoma
• Has soft, moist, pink-red tissue (called granulation tissue) coming out from around the G-tube
• Begins bleeding at the tube site
• Has a fever or signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or foul-smelling discharge
• Has diarrhea

Your child:

• Has severe belly pain or a bloated or hard stomach
• Can't poop or pass gas
• Vomits
• Has trouble breathing

How can a G-tube get dislodged? Children can dislodge a G-tube by pulling on it or by rolling over during sleep or getting it caught on something. The healing skin around the stoma also can push the G-tube out of place.

What can happen if the G-tube is dislodged? If the tube is no longer correctly in the stomach, your child may not get the nutrients and medicine they need. If it is completely out of the body, the stoma may start to close, making it hard to get the tube back in. So it's very important for a health care provider to replace it quickly. Sometimes they might also order a test to be sure the placement is correct.