How The Procedure Works
The patient will be given anesthesia, and a pain relief to ensure that they are not in any discomfort or aware of the procedure. The patient will lie on their back and the surgeon will insert the endoscope down the esophagus. The endoscope is used to check the stomach lining and place the tube correctly. The surgeon will make a small cut in the abdomen of the patient and place the tube in their stomach once they are satisfied with what the endoscope shows.
The surgeon will use specialized materials to close the surgical incision and secure the tube. Stoma is the term used to describe the site where the tube leaves the abdominal skin of the patient. The whole procedure takes about an hour. The surgeon may decide to use x-rays or other imaging methods instead of an endoscope in order to carry out the procedure. This type of surgical tube insertion is recommended for patients who will need tube feeding for at least 3 months.
