retraction tool enters the stomach until the cone 39 s tip presses the top side of the retention bolster flange a semi rigid sheath or tube lies over and is substantially flush with the surface of the removal device and runs along the length thereof as the device enters the stomach and the proximal edge of the cone shaped tip presses flush against the top of the flanged or cuff shaped retention bolster the semi rigid sheath is then immediately pressed downward over the cone shaped tip until it also contacts the side of the flange or cuff of the retention bolster that is flush against the inside wall of stomach continued downward pressure of the sheath together with outward traction force applied to the external portion of the gastrostomy tube collapses the flange or cuff members which thereby move inward towards the central axis of the tube and retraction device these then become folded within the sheath and completely contained therein the entire gastrostomy tube and retraction tool may be simply pulled out of the ostomy and the incision is then either surgically closed allowed to spontaneously close or a new tube inserted in its place if replacement is what is called for referring now to fig1 the gastrostomy tube removal tool 2 of the present invention consists of a central substantially cylindrical structure 4 with and proximal 6 and distal 8 opening that is contiguously hollow there between the inside diameter at 6 becomes larger immediately past the opening this provides a snug fit around the gastrostomy tube at the tip but reduces friction within the device the proximal end portion 10 is tapered or cone shaped so as to facilitate entry of the tool into the ostomy of the patient in other.