GISS Terms

Different names given to gastrostomy tubes:

Gastrostomy tube
Feeding Tube
G-tube
PEG
Low  Profile Gastrostomy Tube  Short tube which sits close to the abdomen
Mic-Key  type of low profile tube
Button    type of low profile tube

Jejunostomy Tube,  J-tube, PEJG  Feeding tube placed into the section of small intestine known as the jejunum.

Feeding tube   A tube in the stomach or intestine through which the formula passes.
Gastrostomy tube (G-tube)  A feeding tube that goes into the stomach at the gastrostomy site.

Terms Associated with Gastrostomies 

Aspiration – food or fluids entering the lungs by accident.
Aspiration Pneumonia  Inflammation or infection of the lungs caused by food or fluid entering the lungs.

Balloon Bumper  A bumper which like a balloon is inflated , with water, and then holds the tube in place

Bolus Meal  A meal sized quantity of formula delivered over a short time, usually about 15 – 20 minutes via a syringe connected to the gastrostomy tube.

Bumper   The part of the gastrostomy tube which holds the tube in place. It sits gently against the inside wall of the stomach.

Continuous Feeding- Formula that slowly drips through the feeding tube over several hours.

Dietitian Allied health professional specialising in nutritional health.

Endoscope - An instrument that has a camera and a light attached to it which is inserted through the mouth to enable the doctor to see inside the stomach.

Formula  A nutritionally balanced product that has the same nutrients as regular foods. Formula can come in a liquid or a powder form which is then mixed with water.

Flush  Cleaning the tube before and after formula and medication by delivering water down the tube.

Gastroenterologist A doctor who specialises in conditions of the gastro intestinal tract.

Gastro- oesophageal Reflux (GOR) When stomach contents travel back up the oesophagus.

Gastrostomy  A surgical opening into the stomach maintained with a tube inserted in it.

Gastrostomy tube (G-tube)  A feeding tube that goes into the stomach at the gastrostomy site.

Gravity Set or Giving set Tubing that goes from the feeding container and connects directly to the feeding tube to enable an enteral meal to be delivered.

Intermittent feeding  Formula given 3 to 8 times a day.

Jejunum  The second part of the small intestine

Jejunostomy  A surgical opening into the small intestine known as the jejunum

Jejunostomy tube (j-tube) Feeding tube that goes into the jejunostomy site.

Low profile gastrostomy tube Gastrostomy tube which sits close to the abdomen.

Nutrients- Protein, carbohydrate, fat, vitamins, minerals and water.

Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy(PEG) Procedure  for putting a feeding tube in the stomach. 

Pump    Machine that controls the amount of formula going into the feeding tube.

Speech Pathologist  Allied health professional specialising in conditions affecting the mechanics of the mouth and swallowing.

Stoma  The opening in the stomach or small intestine through which the feeding tube enters the body.

Video Fluoroscopy  Diagnostic test involving swallowing radio opaque substances of varied consistency. This process is video recorded and then assessed to determine the safety and quality of the persons swallow.