Gastrostoma is an opening in the abdominal cavity intended for feeding a patient who, for whatever reason, cannot eat on his own. One of the questions that interests people with a gastrostomy and their loved ones: "How to care for a gastrostomy?" This will be discussed in this article.
In what cases is a gastrostomy indicated?
The operation is carried out in cases where a person is not able to eat naturally. This situation occurs in some diseases, for example, with tumors that make the process of swallowing and passage of food impossible, or in cases of esophageal injury or congenital obstruction. Gastrostomy is both permanent and temporary, and the second option is much more common than the first. But in any case, caring for the gastrostomy is a mandatory measure that can alleviate the patient’s condition.
How to feed a patient with a gastrostomy?
The main purpose of this operation is the ability to feed a person in cases where nutrition in a natural way is impossible for one reason or another. Care for a patient with a gastrostomy implies not only hygienic procedures, but also feeding the patient both in a hospital and at home.
To date, the gastrostomy technique itself has undergone a number of changes. Previously, a rubber probe was attached to the hole in the abdominal cavity, but now there are such varieties when a catheter for food intake is inserted immediately before the start of feeding.
If a probe is attached to the gastrostomy, a funnel or syringe of Janet, 100 ml of boiled water and the liquid itself will be required for eating. Before the procedure, it is necessary to wash the hands of the person who will conduct it. The patient is fed in a prone position: you need to help him take the Fowler position, then remove the clamp from the probe and attach a funnel or syringe to Zhanet. Food is introduced through the funnel in small portions so as not to cause discomfort to the patient. Also, it should not be hot - the optimum temperature is 45 degrees, which contributes to its better absorption. After feeding, the probe is washed with warm boiled water, a clamp is placed. Gastrostomy care immediately after feeding consists of holding toilet openings.
Gastrostomy feeding at home
In general, the technique of feeding the house does not differ from the above. Sometimes the patient is allowed to chew food on their own. After that, it is diluted in a glass with liquid and poured into the funnel already in diluted form. With this option, reflex excitation of gastric secretion is maintained.
After the procedure, the probe must be washed with warm water, and the patient should be given the opportunity to rinse his mouth. Therefore, in order to spit out water, it is necessary to ensure the availability of an appropriate container. Gastrostomy care after feeding also consists in carrying out hygienic procedures so that food particles do not remain in the probe and the hole itself. The funnel should be boiled in a soda solution (two percent) for 15-20 minutes. Then it needs to be dried and covered with a napkin.
Hygiene procedures for a patient with a gastrostomy
Gastrostomy is a procedure that can be either temporary or permanent. This means that with a gastrostomy person will have to live at home. If in a hospital the care of an opening in the abdominal cavity is the concern of the medical staff, then outside the medical institution this becomes the responsibility of the patient's relatives and friends. Gastrostomy care at home is not only about feeding, but also about hygienic procedures.
It should be remembered that for the patient, the impossibility of traditional food intake often causes psychological discomfort: a person cannot appreciate the taste, and the presence of an opening in the abdomen also causes discomfort.
It is possible to take a shower 10 days after the operation, if there are no special instructions. The probe must be closed with a valve.
The skin care around the gastrostomy is as follows:
1. The hair around the hole should be carefully shaved.
2. Having finished feeding, it is necessary to wipe the skin with water - always warm and boiled, or better - with a solution of furatsilina. You can also treat the skin around the hole with a solution of potassium permanganate. To prepare it, several crystals are dissolved in a glass of water.
3. Apply the ointment prescribed by the attending specialist to the skin around the hole. As a rule, this is Stomagezin ointment or zinc paste, as well as Lassar paste or dermatol paste . Wait until the substance is absorbed, and remove any remaining material with a tissue. From above skin can be sprinkled with talcum powder.
Carrying out these procedures will protect the skin from irritation by gastric juice. With proper care of the gastrostomy, you can minimize the discomfort of the patient.