About Gastrostomy
Key Highlights
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Provides reliable, long-term access for nutrition and medication when oral intake is not possible.Can be performed using minimally invasive techniques (e.g., PEG) for faster recovery.Helps prevent malnutrition, dehydration, and associated complications like aspiration pneumonia.Improves overall patient quality of life and supports recovery from underlying illnesses.Tube can often be managed at home by caregivers after proper training.
Who is this surgery for?
- Severe dysphagia (swallowing difficulty) from stroke, neurological diseases (e.g., ALS, Parkinson's), or brain injury.
- Obstruction of the upper digestive tract due to head, neck, or esophageal cancers.
- Patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation.
- Significant malnutrition or failure to thrive where oral intake is insufficient.
- Certain congenital anomalies or major facial trauma.
- As a bridge to recovery after major gastrointestinal surgery.
How to prepare
- Complete medical evaluation including blood tests and imaging as advised by the surgeon.
- Informed consent process discussing the procedure, risks, and benefits.
- Fasting for 6-8 hours prior to the procedure to ensure an empty stomach.
- Adjustment or temporary stoppage of certain medications like blood thinners (aspirin, warfarin) as per surgeon's instructions.
- Antibiotic prophylaxis may be given to prevent infection.
- Discussion with a nutritionist to plan the post-procedure feeding regimen.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection at the stoma site or within the abdomen (peritonitis).
- Bleeding from the insertion site.
- Accidental injury to surrounding organs (intestines, liver).
- Leakage of stomach contents around the tube, leading to skin irritation.
- Tube dislodgement, blockage, or migration.
- Granulation tissue (overgrowth of skin) around the stoma.
- Aspiration (inhalation of stomach contents) though the procedure aims to reduce this risk.
- Adverse reactions to anesthesia.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial hospital stay for monitoring, pain management, and initiation of tube feeds.
- The stoma site must be kept clean and dry; nurses will demonstrate daily care.
- Feeding starts slowly, often with clear fluids, advancing to formula as tolerated.
- Caregivers receive thorough training on administering feeds, medication, and troubleshooting (e.g., blockages, dislodgement).
- Mild pain and swelling at the site are common and managed with medications.
- A follow-up appointment is scheduled to check healing and assess tube function.
- Full integration of tube feeding into daily routine is achieved with ongoing support.
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Typical hospital stay: 1-3 days
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Expected recovery time: 1-2 weeks for initial healing; 4-6 weeks for full tissue maturation around the tube
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering gastrostomy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for gastrostomy in India include Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform gastrostomy. MediFyr helps you compare general surgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for gastrostomy compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 35 Thousand – 150 Thousand | 1-3 days | ~ 1-2 weeks for initial healing; 4-6 weeks for full tissue maturation around the tube | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 123 Thousand – 525 Thousand | 1-3 days | ~ 1-2 weeks for initial healing; 4-6 weeks for full tissue maturation around the tube | Know More |
Top hospitals for Gastrostomy in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated general surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing gastrostomy.
Diya Davis, a 78-year-old retired librarian,...
Diya Davis, a 78-year-old retired librarian, lived independently until a severe stroke six months ago left her with significant dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). Despite intensive speech and language therapy, she continued to choke on thin liquids and purees, leading to two hospitalizations for aspiration pneumonia. Her weight dropped 15 pounds, and she was constantly fatigued. Her geriatrician and a speech therapist recommended a gastrostomy (PEG tube) to provide safe, consistent nutrition and hydration, prevent further lung infections, and allow her to regain strength for rehabilitation. Diya was terrified of losing the simple joy of eating and initially refused, fearing it meant giving up. After a compassionate discussion with her surgeon and family, she agreed. The percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) procedure was done under sedation and was straightforward. The first few days were uncomfortable as she adjusted to the tube site, but nurses provided excellent care. Within two weeks, with reliable nutrition, her energy improved dramatically. She could participate fully in physical therapy without the fear of choking. While she misses the taste of food, she enjoys small, safe tastes of her favorite pudding. Emotionally, she moved from grief and resistance over her lost independence to a pragmatic acceptance. The tube is not what she wanted, but she sees it as a tool that gave her back her strength and stability, allowing her to enjoy her grandchildren's visits again.
General surgeons for Gastrostomy
Explore experienced general surgeons who regularly perform gastrostomy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 31 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 18 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 18 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 27 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- General surgeon
- 16 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 37 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 26 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 41 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 11 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 10 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 18 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 39 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 37 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 35 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore