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Treatment

Pediatric Percutaneous Gastrostomy Tube

The term “percutaneous” means “to go through the skin.” A percutaneous gastrostomy tube is a plastic passageway that goes through the abdominal wall into the stomach. This allows for certain types of nutrition and medication to be given directly into your child’s stomach. The first tube your child has is call the primary tube, “pigtail” or “G-tube.” It is created by making a small opening with a needle over the abdominal wall. 

Your child will often see pediatric experts from Clinical Nutrition Services at Children's National Hospital after a G or GJ tube placement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do we perform a gastrostomy tube insertion in children?

Will my child be awake during the gastrostomy tube procedure?

Will my child be in any pain during the gastrostomy tube procedure?

How long does a gastrostomy tube procedure in children take?

What risks are associated with this gastrostomy tube procedure in children?

What happens after my child's gastrostomy tube procedure?

When can my child bathe after a gastrostomy placement?

How will I know how to care for my child's gastrostomy tube?

Are there any activity restrictions after a gastrostomy tube procedure in a child?

How long will the gastrostomy tube stay in place?

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Interventional Radiology at Children's National Hospital

Our pediatric interventional radiologists perform a full range of minimally invasive, image-guided procedures to both diagnose and treat disease in infants, children and adolescents. Discover more about the treatment we offer.

doctor examines xray results with little girl
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    Departments that Offer Percutaneous Gastrostomy Tube

    Nurse giving girl a stuffed animal in MRI imaging room

    Interventional Radiology

    Children's National interventional radiologists perform a full range of minimally invasive, image-guided procedures to both diagnose and treat disease in infants, children, and adolescents.