Feeding Tube

Before Tube Placement

Your provider will review your medical history and determine the appropriate feeding tube. Surgical or bedside placement may be scheduled depending on the type of tube needed.

Depending on the type of feeding tube you receive, it will be placed surgically, endoscopically, or inserted through the nose.

After Tube Placement

After placement, your provider or nurse will teach you how to care for your tube before you are discharged from the hospital. They will help you practice feeding and flushing and will explain how to recognize issues with the tube. You’ll receive written instructions, and we will coordinate your nutrition plan, feeding schedule, and supplies before you go home.  

Daily Feeding Tube Care

• Hand hygiene: Always wash hands before and after tube care.
• Site cleaning: Clean the skin around the tube site daily using warm water and mild soap.
• Dressings: If used, change daily and apply skin barrier cream (e.g., zinc oxide) if skin is irritated.
• Flushing: Flush the tube with water before and after each feeding or medication.  

Use the tube only as directed for nutrition, hydration, and medications.

Potential Risks or Complications

While feeding tubes are generally safe, potential issues include:

• Redness or infection at the insertion site
• Tube clogging or dislodgement
• Nausea, bloating, or diarrhea
• Skin irritation from leakage

Our team will provide clear instructions on how to prevent and manage these complications. Call your provider if you experience signs of infection, tube problems, or feeding intolerance.

Our team of experts at UR Medicine has advanced training in nutrition optimization support. We work collaboratively with primary care and specialty teams across UR Medicine.

MIC-KEY Button

UR Medicine offers a unique alternative to the standard G-Tube; the MIC-KEY button.

A standard gastrostomy tube (G-tube) is a longer feeding tube that extends outside of the body and is commonly used when a feeding tube is first placed. While effective for delivering nutrition, medication, and fluids, the standard G-tube can be more noticeable under clothing and may be less comfortable during daily activities.

In contrast, a low-profile MIC-KEY button is a smaller, discreet alternative designed to sit flush against the skin. The MIC-KEY button offers several benefits:

• Discreet appearance under clothing Increased comfort, especially during physical activity
• Reduced risk of accidental pulling or dislodgement
• Easy connection and detachment of feeding extensions as needed

Our clinic offers the ability to transition from a standard G-tube to a MIC-KEY button approximately 6 weeks after the initial tube placement, once the stoma (tube site) has healed adequately. This transition can be safely and conveniently performed in our clinic setting, minimizing the need for hospital-based procedures.

If you're interested in learning more about the MIC-KEY button or scheduling a transition, please don't hesitate to contact our team.