Gastronomy (PEG) tubes

• Redness, pain or itching around tube insertion site

• Oozing of fluid around tube insertion site

• Increased resistance to flushing of tube (e.g. blocked)

• Dislodgement – tube has moved further into GIT tract causing reflux of gastric contents into tube

• Diarrhoea, signs of feeding intolerance

• Check tube for kinking

• If tube blocked insert 30 to 50ml of warm water and use gentle plunger action. If blockage remains leave syringe of warm water in place and repeat gentle plunger action after 10 to 20 minutes

• Use syringe to gently exert pressure alternating with suction

• Gently milk the tubing from the insertion site outwards, taking care not to pull on the tube

• Contact outreach service or the GP if unsuccessful