Radiologically Inserted Gastrostomy Feeding Tube (RIG ... - SCAN

Radiologically Inserted Gastrostomy
Feeding Tube (RIG)
Information for Patients and Carers
Medicina RIG
What is a Radiologically Inserted Gastrostomy (RIG) and why do I
need one?
A RIG is a feeding tube placed directly into your stomach, which allows you
to receive liquid feed, water and sometimes medicines. The tube is held in
place with “stitches” for the first seven days. Thereafter the “ stitches” will
be removed by a member of your health care team.
You may require a RIG tube: -
• if you are unable to take enough food and drink to maintain your
weight and nutrition
• prior to planned treatment during which it is anticipated that you may
have difficulty with eating and swallowing.

How is the tube inserted?
The tube is inserted at your hospital and you will usually have some
sedation (medicine to make you drowsy) and local anaesthetic at time of
tube placement. The whole process takes about 45 minutes. If you have
any discomfort after the procedure, you will be given medicines to help the
pain. As with any other procedure there are some risks involved. The
procedure and any risks will be discussed with you before the tube is
placed.
Will I be able to have a bath or shower after the procedure?
For the first two weeks, do not have a bath. Showers are permitted from 24
hours after the procedure. Wash the area of skin around the tube (RIG
site) first before moving on to other parts of the body. Wash with soap and
water, rinse and dry thoroughly. Check the area for redness, swelling and
bleeding. If you have any concerns, contact your nurse or GP.
How long will I be in hospital?
We usually recommend coming in to hospital the night before the
procedure, to give time for routine blood tests to be taken. The length of
stay will vary from person to person. It will depend on how well you feel
after the procedure. If you are having the RIG placed before treatment and
are eating well, your stay may be as short as one or two nights. If you are
having difficulty with eating and drinking, feeding through the tube may
need to be started straight away, and this may entail a longer stay.
Will I still be able to eat and drink?
You will be advised whether you are able to continue to eat and drink after
the tube is placed.
Feeding
• The 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 RIG tube

Medicines
• Do not lie completely flat when feeding. Support your upper
body with pillows or cushion.
If you have been advised to take your medicines through your tube further
advice will be given on this.
How long will I need the tube for?
This is difficult to estimate and depends on the reason for RIG placement.
Before the tube is removed it is important to ensure that you are able to eat
sufficient amounts to maintain your weight. You will be closely monitored
by your dietitian who will advise if feeding can be stopped.
What do I do if I have a problem?
Before you leave hospital, you will be given training and written information
on how to care for the tube, and contact numbers to phone if you have any
difficulties.
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 Medicina
Date: October 2009
Review: October 2011