Management of feeding tubes and ostomies

Our pediatric surgery team offers an outpatient service devoted to the care of children with an assortment of implanted medical devices. We realize that family members may be overwhelmed by the need to use, clean, and even change these devices on a regular basis. Multiple devices, made by different companies, in different sizes and shapes, can add to confusion and concern, even among experienced caregivers. We can help. Children with complex gastrointestinal problems, such as Hirschsprung's disease, imperforate anus, and short bowel syndrome can also develop unusual rashes and other issues such as skin breakdown and bleeding. We know this can be frustrating. We can also help with that.

Devices we support include:

• Those used for enteral feeding access (such as gastrostomy, jejunostomy or gastrojejunal feeding tubes). These are commonly referred to as G-tubes, J-tubes, or GJ tubes.
• Those used for intestinal irrigation procedures (such as cecostomy and appendicostomy tubes). These may be referred to as MACE tubes.
• Appliances used with intestinal stomas (such as colostomies and mucous fistulas). These are often called "colostomy bags" or "ostomy bags."
• Central venous access catheters (such as Port-a-caths, PICC lines, Broviac and Hickman catheters). These are often used for outpatient infusion of intravenous medications or intravenous nutrition.

Our Advanced Practice Providers host a specialized clinic twice weekly, on Mondays and Thursdays, at our Raleigh Medical Park location, focusing exclusively on the care and management of patients with these types of medical devices. It features Pediatric Registered Dieticians who specialize in enteral feed management, providing tailored nutritional support to meet the unique needs of these patients. Together, our team ensures comprehensive, personalized care to optimize device performance, nutritional health and overall patient outcomes to help patients and families thrive.