Your Recovery
PEG is a procedure to make an opening between the skin of your belly and your stomach. The doctor put a thin tube called a gastrostomy tube (also called G-tube, PEG tube, or feeding tube) into your stomach through the opening. The tube can put liquid nutrition, fluid, and medicines directly into your stomach. The tube also may be used to drain liquid or air from the stomach.
Your belly may feel sore, like you pulled a muscle, for several days. It will take about a week for the skin around your feeding tube to heal. You may have some yellowish mucus where the feeding tube comes out of your belly. This is normal. It's not a sign of infection.
You will need to learn how to use and care for your feeding tube. Your doctor may recommend that you have a nurse or dietitian visit you at home to help you get started with your feeding tube. At first you may need a friend or family member to help you with your tube feedings. But with practice, you may be able to do it yourself.
A feeding tube can break down over time. If this happens, the tube will be removed and replaced. Sometimes a tube is removed if you have an infection that is getting worse. Sometimes a tube will come out by itself. Your doctor will give you instructions about what to do if this happens.
This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for you to recover. But each person recovers at a different pace. Follow the steps below to feel better as quickly as possible.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter W527 in the search box to learn more about "Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy: What to Expect at Home".