Surgical Jejunostomy Feeding Tube Information for Patients ... - SCAN

Surgical Jejunostomy Feeding Tube
Information for Patients and Carers
The Jejunostomy Feeding Tube
A feeding jejunostomy tube will be placed during surgery. The tube will be
placed directly into your jejunum (small bowel) to allow you to receive
adequate nutrition until you are able to eat sufficient amounts of diet.
How long will I need to use the jejunostomy tube for?
You will be closely monitored by your dietitian who will advise when
feeding can be stopped. If the jejunostomy tube is not being used for
feeding, it should remain in place for a minimum of 4-6 weeks before being
removed. Throughout this time the tube will need to be kept clear by
flushing regularly with water (see Flushing section). Surgical jejunostomy
tubes should be removed by a member of your healthcare team.

Hygiene
• Hands should be washed, rinsed and dried before handling feed,
feeding equipment, or the jejunostomy site to reduce the risk of
infection.
• For the first two weeks, do not have a bath. Showers are permitted.
Jejunostomy Care
• Check the jejunostomy site daily for any sign of redness, swelling or
bleeding. If concerned, contact your nurse or GP.
• Do not remove the stitches. Clean around the stitches with water
daily. Dry thoroughly. If stitches become loose or come out, contact
your GP, district nurse or hospital team.
• Avoid the use of creams, lotions or powders at the jejunostomy site,
unless advised to do so by your doctor.
• Change dressings twice-weekly, or more frequently if there is any
leakage. Some leakage is common and quite normal. Suitable
dressings can be provided by your district nurse.
Flushing
Before you leave hospital you and/or your carer will be taught how to flush
and care for the tube.
• Use a syringe to gently flush the jejunostomy feeding tube with water.
• Water for flushing should be freshly-drawn drinking or cooled boiled
water as recommended by your nurse or dietitian.
• Flush the tube with a minimum of 30 ml of water immediately before
and after feeding.
• To prevent blockage the tube should be flushed regularly 6-hourly
throughout the day when there is a break in feeding.
Medicines
If you have been advised to take medicines through the tube:
• These should be in liquid form where possible.
• If you have any concerns about your medicines, check with your
pharmacist.
• Always flush the tube with a minimum of 30ml water before and after
the medicines.

Tube blockage
• Flush the tube with 30 ml warm water or soda water can be used if
you find that the feeding tube has become difficult to flush.
• If you are unable to flush the feeding tube, contact your district nurse,
dietitian or hospital team.
Feeding
• If you have been advised to continue feeding at home your dietitian
will discuss with you the method and timing of feeding to suit you best.
• Never put anything other than your prescribed feed, water or
prescribed medicines down your jejunostomy tube.
• Do not lie completely flat when feeding. Support your upper body
with pillows or cushions.
• Your dietitian will continue to monitor your progress and give advice
about eating.
Discharge Supplies
On discharge from hospital you will be given a seven day supply of all the
necessary feed and equipment. e.g. dressings, syringes.
Note: The information in this leaflet is intended only as a general guide. It
should not replace the advice of your doctor or health care team.
Produced by SCAN Dietitians Network
Pictures used with kind permission from Fresenius Kabi
Date: October 2009
Review: October 2011