Gastronomy is a serious procedure, especially for adolescents. This procedure involved operating on the abdomen and stomach when the patient has serious GI issues. With the right care, the patient can heal quickly and get back to their daily lives.
It’s vital that precautions be taken to ensure proper attachment of necessary tubes after Gastronomy. Hy-Tape can be used to hold wound dressings and feeding tubes in place with little to no skin irritation.
What is Gastronomy?
A gastronomy procedure is prescribed when a patient is experiencing serious gastrointestinal issues. These typically include the inability to take down food and liquids. A “G-Tube” can be inserted into the abdomen and the stomach, providing an alternate route for waste to be removed from the body.
Purposes of Gastronomy
There are a variety of situations that call for a gastronomy procedure. Some of these circumstances include:
- Tube Feeding – When a patient cannot take down food or drink, a feeding tube can be their best option for obtaining nourishment. A Gastronomy makes it possible to deliver food directly to the stomach, bypassing damaged or failing parts of the body.
- Stomach Venting – In situations where the body isn’t venting properly, a G-Tube can provide a path for air or liquid to be released from the body. This can allow damaged parts of the body to be out of commission as they recover.
- Obstruction Bypass – When a patient has a serious obstruction in their GI tract, be it food or swelling that won’t go down, gastronomy may be a good answer. This procedure allows the patient to bypass the obstruction while it is repaired with further surgery or time to heal naturally.
- NG-Tube Alternative – Some patients may need a nasogastric tube (or NG-Tube) for feeding or drainage but are incapable of tolerating the tube. In these instances, a G-Tube is a good alternative.
Whenever the GI tract is experiencing severe problems to the point where part of the system cannot function, a gastronomy procedure may be able to resolve the issue.
Is Gastronomy Permanent or Temporary?
Depending on the needs of the patient, gastronomy could be permanent or temporary. Some patients have severe damage to their GI tract to the point that healing isn’t possible and need a system for feeding or drainage for the rest of their lives. Many patients, however, suffer from a temporary illness or damage to part of their GI tract, requiring only a temporary system for feeding or drainage.
Post-Surgery Care for Gastronomy Patients
The most important part of gastronomy is the care that is taken afterward. Patients and caregivers must be careful with everything from IV connections to the G-Tube itself. With proper care, patients can adjust to their new life with a G-Tube, whether temporary or permanent.
IV fluids are typically part of the recovery process. Patients will likely spend a few days taking in nutrition exclusively from IV lines. These lines must be inserted cleanly so as to avoid the chances of bacterial or viral infections. Proper cleaning of the insertion point and securing the line with flexible, waterproof Hy-Tape can help keep the patient healthy.
The G-Tube is an essential part of a patient’s health. The tube must be connected properly and stay in place. The wound created by gastronomy can heal rather quickly if the tube is removed and kept out for a long period of time. The open wound is also susceptible to bacteria and viruses. Securing the tube with Hy-Tape allows for comfortable movement without loosening the tape. It also keeps foreign liquids out, helping to avoid infection.
The G-Tube itself may also become damaged and leak. If the tube becomes damaged, a doctor may recommend swapping it out for a new tube or patching the damaged area of the tube. In either instance, Hy-Tape can help seal the tube and keep it attached properly at the insertion point.
Hy-Tape can Assist with Post-Operation Care
Securing wound dressings and IV lines the right way is vital to the health of a gastronomy patient. With Hy-Tape, a patient can keep their wounds clean and safe from bacteria, viruses, and other risks of infection.
Hy-Tape is a non-latex tape that holds firmly without irritating the skin. It’s flexible, moving with the patient without pinching or cutting. It’s also waterproof, helping to avoid leakage from the wounds. The zinc-oxide tape protects the skin, making it easy to remove and replace the tape when needed.
With proper wound care after gastronomy surgery, patients can live a comfortable life as long as they need their G-Tube. Hy-Tape can play a major role in the process of taking care of a patient after their procedure. Contact us today to learn more about Hy-Tape and its beneficial features.