What to Do if Your Child’s G-Tube Comes Out

What is a G-tube?

If your child has a G-tube (gastrostomy tube), it is important to know what to do if the tube comes out. This is not common, but it can happen.  

If your child’s G-tube is pulled out, the stoma can close quickly. The G-tube must be replaced right away with a temporary catheter. Someone from your care team can teach you how to place the temporary catheter.  

Do not replace the G-tube unless someone from your care team has taught you how. Keep your emergency G-tube kit with you at all times. 

Always follow the instructions given by your care team. 

Supplies needed

How to replace a G-tube in an emergency

Before you start to replace your child’s G-tube:

• Contact your care team to let them know the G-tube is out. 
• Use proper handwashing to reduce the risk of infection. 

Replace your child’s G-tube with the Foley catheter:

1. Open the catheter that is the same size as your child’s G-tube. 

2. Put the catheter next to the G-tube that came out. 

3. Use the marker to make a line on the catheter that matches the length of the G-tube. 

4. Open the lubricant packet and squeeze the lubricant directly onto the tip of the catheter. Do not touch the end of the catheter that will go into your child’s body. Keep this end sterile (free from germs).   

5. Gently insert the catheter into the stoma until it reaches the mark you made (the same length as the G-tube stem). Never force the catheter into the stoma. 

Note: If you cannot insert a catheter that is the same size as the G-tube, try using a smaller catheter. Measure the smaller catheter and apply lubricant to the tip. Gently try to insert it into the stoma. If you still cannot insert the catheter, contact your care team.   

After placing the catheter in the stoma:

6. Close the large open end of the catheter with the catheter plug. This will keep stomach contents from leaking out. 

7. Tether the catheter to your child’s belly to keep it from moving. Hold the tubing with one hand and place a piece of tape on top of the tubing. Connect the 2 sides of the tape just under the tubing. Apply the tape to your child’s skin to secure. 

8. Tape the gauze over the stoma and catheter to prevent stomach contents from leaking onto the skin. 

Do not use the catheter for feeding, hydration, or giving medicine. Call your St. Jude care team for further instructions. 

When to call your care team and seek medical help

• If you cannot put a catheter in the stoma to keep it open, take your child to the nearest hospital or doctor’s office right away to have the G-tube replaced. 
• Call your care team when you have done an emergency replacement of a G-tube. 

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