Gastrostomy: Permanent and Temporary Editorial Staff And
Contributors This is surgery to place a tube through the abdomen
and into the stomach. Gastrostomy can be done as: Reasons for
Procedure A gastrostomy tube provides an alternative feeding
site. It may be needed to: - Feed a person who has a hard time
sucking or swallowing - Drain the stomach of acid and fluids
that have built up Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. If
you are planning to have gastrostomy, your doctor will review a
list of possible complications, which may include: -
Aspiration—accidental sucking into the airways of fluid, food,
or any foreign material - Damage to other organs - Anesthesia-
related problems - Skin irritation around the tube - Dislodging
or malfunction of the tube Factors that may increase the risk of
complications include: alcohol abuse, or drug use - Use of
certain prescription medicines - Prior abdominal surgeries -
Advanced age Be sure to discuss these risks with your doctor
before the surgery. What to Expect Prior