WHAT IS GASTROSTOMY?

What is Gastrostomy?

Insertion of a flexible tube passed through the abdominal wall into the stomach in order to ensure the survival and nutrition of patients who cannot receive adequate nutrition orally.

Inadequate oral intake and resulting inadequate weight gain, stressful or prolonged feeding periods and recurrent lung infections are situations that require enteral nutrition. When there is swallowing dysfunction, tube feeding may be required.