Replacing peg tube

louiethetzu
louiethetzu Member Posts: 17
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

So my fiance has been using a peg tube for three months and we discovered a leak today (not from the peg tube site, but a little down from the top of the peg tube opening)...it is not leaking to create a mess but we are worried that this may lead to complications. His doctor will be looking at it on Monday and possibly replace it. 

Will he have to undergo surgery to have it replaced or stay in the hospital? I've been reading info online and it appears to be a quick procedure done in a doctor's office without surgery.

Comments

  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    #2
    I should probably leave this to

    the double-tubers....those who had to get more than one.  But my guess is, after hearing about people's tubes just falling out, or not working, that since the hole is already there, they just plunk another one in and it's not a big deal.  But since there's different types of tubes....like baloon and bumper....don't take my word for it...Laughing

    p

  • Ruben and Jude
    Ruben and Jude Member Posts: 155
    #3
    tube replacement

    Ruben's tube was replaced last month, it was a piece of cake, no problemo. They simply deflated the balloon, pulled it out, and then reinserted a new one. Actually, the one they replaced it with was larger in diameter (french size). He felt no pain or discomfort in the least.

    Be well.  Take care.

    Jude

  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt Member Posts: 4,724 Member
    #4
    another PEG please

    louiethetzu,

    I went through 2 PEGS with the second one coming during week 5 of treatments.  For me it was out patient, same day surgery stuff.  The doctor took my wife aside after rePEGging me and told her that they were as careful as they could be, but I was really going to have a sore throat.  Never happened, no sore nothing and the new PEG was back in action with 2 cans dripping Jevity at max drip later that day.

    You may see a picture of my PEG (from inside my stomach) on my expressions page.

    Matt

  • lornal
    lornal Member Posts: 428
    #5
    Leaking Tube

    I've only had my PEG since Sept 29.  My was make a big mess.  I was supposed to follow up w/ the primary - and did - and he didn't want to have anything to do with it - said to so my GI.  He did take a swab - even though I said it was just the formula coming out - nice vanilla smell.  (Did come back staph though)

    I saw my GI on Wednesday of these week.  The outer disk was not tight enough against my skin.  He fixed it, and showed my how to do it myself.  He said the concern would be leaking inside the body between the stomach and the outside.  I asked how he knows that hadn't happened.  He said if it did, I would be SICK.

    So, when you go, -be sure you have them tell you what to look for, and how to take care of it yourself.

     

  • lornal
    lornal Member Posts: 428
    #6
    Leaking Tube

    I've only had my PEG since Sept 29.  My was make a big mess.  I was supposed to follow up w/ the primary - and did - and he didn't want to have anything to do with it - said to so my GI.  He did take a swab - even though I said it was just the formula coming out - nice vanilla smell.  (Did come back staph though)

    I saw my GI on Wednesday of these week.  The outer disk was not tight enough against my skin.  He fixed it, and showed my how to do it myself.  He said the concern would be leaking inside the body between the stomach and the outside.  I asked how he knows that hadn't happened.  He said if it did, I would be SICK.

    So, when you go, -be sure you have them tell you what to look for, and how to take care of it yourself.

     

  • amr2662
    amr2662 Member Posts: 45 Member
    #7

    I am a long term tube feeder and have had my tube replaced 4 times now.  First time, I had a bumper type and it was done in the endoscopy suite  but no endoscopy was needed.  They just gave it a good tug.  After that I had a low profile balloon type and that was even easier.  I never had any anesthesia and never needed any.   I have read that some tubes require a more involved removal, but your doctor will let you know that I am sure.  

    If it is leaking i would definitely get it replaced.

  • jim and i
    jim and i Member Posts: 1,788 Member
    #8
    Yup Jim has had two replaced

    The first replacement was due to the balloon deflating and the tube fell out while he slept. Apparently the stomach closes up fast so it was a trial, and painful to reinsert the new tube. The second was starting to bulge near the stomach so they replaced it in same day surgery. A short process, less than half hour after on our way home.

    Debbie

  • mama tiger
    mama tiger Member Posts: 1
    #9
    Changing peg tube

    My daughter had her peg replaced on Monday from a G to a GJ. Her other tube did not 'leak', it poured. Why it wasn't replaced 6 weeks ago is beyond me. Her tummy was awful!!!! Word of warning tho', make sure you are medicated with locals or light sedation. They didn't do that for her, tho' they said they would, and it hurt unbelievably. So put your foot down and good luck to you.

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