Troubleshooting

Non-Urgent G-Tube Site Complications

Granulation Tissue

• Problem
  Granulation tissue - new tissue (appearing red/pink, “beefy”, moist and bumpy) that forms around the G-tube site. It may bleed or have yellow, mucous-like drainage.
• Cause
  Overgrowth of tissue due to movement of tube in tract or moisture in the area
• Solution
  Granulation tissue is NOT an emergency. If you notice it, call the Pediatric Surgery Office (585) 275-4435 to schedule a clinic appointment with your provider. You do not need to bring your child to the Emergency Department. You may need to use a special ointment around the site or use a special chemical to cauterize the excess tissue. If it is draining/bleeding place a gauze at the site.

Skin Infections

• Problem
  Skin Infection at G-tube site - redness spreading across the abdomen from the G-tube site, warmth, swelling, pus-type drainage with a foul odor, significant pain
• Cause
  May be caused by leakage leading to skin irritation
• Solution
  Contact your provider. Clean site with soap and water. Make sure tube is secure at a 90 degree angle from abdomen to avoid tension. If applicable, make sure balloon is inflated properly with water. May need to apply barrier cream around site if advised by your provider.

Leaking Around the G-Tube Site

• Problem
  Leaking around G-tube site - large amount of leakage of fluid or mucus-like liquid (large amounts means it soaks a 4x4 inch gauze at least 3 times in a day)
• Cause
  Stretching of tract, tube not properly secured or if applicable balloon not properly inflated
• Solution
  Make sure dressing is secure and tube exits abdomen at a 90 degree angle. If applicable, you may need to check the balloon volume but call your provider first. You may need to put a barrier ointment around the site to protect the skin. Call your provider first to check.

G-Tube Clogged

• Problem
  G-tube is clogged
• Cause
  Thick formula or medication - not flushing tube enough
• Solution
  First make sure tubing is not clamped/kinked. Then try flushing tube with 10-15 mL warm water or other acidic fluid (such as cranberry juice or coke). Try using a smaller syringe. Never try to push any object into the tube to unclog it. If you are still unable to unclog the tube call your provider.

Yeast Infection

• Problem
  Yeast Infection - rash with an area of redness with satellite lesions spreading away from the main area of redness
• Cause
  Moisture, leakage around the tube
• Solution
  Contact your provider. You may need a prescription ointment to treat the rash.