Why have I been given this leaflet?
This is a leaflet to explain how your feeding tube is removed.
The decision to remove your tube will have been discussed with the Nutrition Team based at the hospital.
The health professionals will then come to an agreement that your tube is no longer required and will plan for you to be seen in clinic or at home depending on your circumstances.
Documented in this leaflet are some common questions and answers related to the procedure.
How does the tube come out?
Traction removal is the technique used to remove your tube. The health professional will ask you to lie down, apply pressure to your stomach and carefully but firmly pull the tube out.
Will it hurt?
It can be uncomfortable. You may want to take some pain relief before your appointment.
The nurse/doctor will ask you to lie down and apply a numbing gel to the skin around the tube to help with the discomfort.
Please speak to your Nutrition Nurse Specialist if you have any concerns.
Are there any risks?
There is a small risk that the tube could get stuck or becomes difficult to be removed.
If this happened, you may require a different procedure to have this removed and it may result in a stay in hospital.
There is a small chance an infection can occur when the hole is healing.
Can I eat or drink beforehand?
We recommend you don’t eat or use the tube for feeding for 4 hours before your appointment. You can have clear fluids for up to two hours beforehand. If you are diabetic or have any concerns about this, speak to your Nutrition Specialist Nurse.
How quickly will the hole heal?
You may experience some leakage from the hole, but this should subside after 24-28 hours while the wound heals. You will have a dressing to cover it and be provided spare dressings to take home. Your Nutrition Specialist Nurse will give you verbal aftercare advice.
Can I eat and drink afterwards?
To avoid any excessive leakage, you may want to wait up to 2 hours to eat/drink. If this isn’t possible you may need to change your dressing sooner than 24 hours.
Can I have bath or shower afterwards?
You can have a shower, but it is recommended to keep the dressing dry for at least 24 hours.
You must not have a bath or go swimming for at least 48 hours or as long as the hole continues to leak.
What do I do if the hole continues to leak or if I feel unwell?
If you experience any of the following symptoms.
- Abdominal Pain
- Inflammation, swelling, redness, or the skin feeling hot to touch.
- Symptoms of a high temperature or fever
Contact your GP or 111 for urgent medical advice