Your Gastro-Jejunum (G-J) Tube

What to know

There are many types of G-J tubes, syringes, and feeding pumps. Some syringes and tubes are twist on, and others have plug-in tips. Follow your doctor's specific directions for the type of supplies you have. Your tube and supplies may look or work differently from what are described and shown here. Follow the directions from your doctor or home health nurse.

Ask for phone numbers to call if you need help. Also make sure you have the phone number for your medical supply company. You’ll need to order more supplies in the future.

Feeding with a G-J tube

You’ll need to feed yourself through the tube. Your doctor or home health nurse will show you how to do it. You will also learn how to vent air when needed and how to check the balloon if your tube uses a balloon anchor system. If you need more help, talk with your doctor or home health nurse.

You have 2 ports at the end of your tube. One is the gastric port (G-port) that goes directly to your stomach. The other is the jejunal port (J-port). Make sure you know which is the J-port. Only use the J-port for liquid food. You may also put liquid medicine in it, if needed. But never put crushed medicine into the J-port.

Ask your doctor if taking medicine by mouth with a sip of water is preferred. If you are not able to take medicine by mouth for any reason, you can put crushed medicine through the G-port using the correct method.

Types of feeding

There are 3 types of feeding with a G-J tube. You may have one or a combination of these. They are:

• Continuous feeding. This type of feeding is recommended when feeding into the J-port. Liquid food is dripped slowly through the tube for part or all of a day. Continuous feeding is only done using a pump. The amount of food to be given and the time frame are often set on the pump for you. Don't change pump settings unless you’re told to do so.

• Bolus feeding. This is a meal-sized amount of liquid food given through the tube several times a day. Bolus feeding is given using a syringe or a pump. Bolus feeding is done into the stomach (G-port) but not into the jejunum (J-port). Your doctor or home health nurse will tell you how much liquid food to use for each feeding. You’ll also be told how often to feed yourself.

• Gravity feeding. A set amount of formula is placed in a feeding bag. It's allowed to flow slowly through the tube for at least 30 minutes per feeding.

Flushing the G-J tube

Your health care team will show you how to flush the tube. Make sure you flush the tube regularly as directed to keep it from being clogged. Also make sure you know what not to put in the tube, such as whole pills. If you need help, talk with your doctor or home health nurse.

When to call your doctor

Contact your doctor right away if:

• You have trouble breathing.

• The tube feels loose or comes out.

• The opening where the tube enters the skin becomes larger.

• Red, rough tissue forms around the tube site.

• The tube becomes clogged or blocked and you can't clear it.

• The skin around the tube site has redness, swelling, leaking fluid, or sores.

• You see blood around the tube, in your stool, or in the stomach contents.

• You cough, choke, or vomit while feeding.

• Your belly looks bloated or feels hard when gently pressed.

• You have diarrhea or constipation.

• You have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by the doctor.