Main content

    Learning About Your HealthCare

    PEG / PEJ Tube Information and Care

    Printer-friendly PDF of PEG / PEJ Tube Information and Care Opens new window [127KB]
    (Download a free copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader Opens new window)

    What is a PEG or a PEJ Tube?

    PEG = Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy.
    PEJ = Percutaneous Endoscopic Jejunostomy.

    These tubes can be used by people who have trouble swallowing or who are at risk for food going into the lungs.

    PEG tubesare inserted through a small cut in the abdomen into the stomach.
    PEJ tubesare inserted through a small cut in the abdomen into the small intestines, in the section called the jejunum. This tube is much smaller in diameter and can become easily clogged so care must be taken when giving medicine should be in liquid form. Check with your doctor. If there is no liquid form of the drug available, be sure that it is totally dissolved prior to giving yourself the medicine.
    Back to top

    Care of PEG or PEJ Tube

    Every day from the day after the tube is put in place until about Day 10, you should:

    1. Check skin around site for infection or irritation (redness, drainage, swelling). Tell the visiting nurse or your doctor if you see signs of infection.

    2. Clean the area around the tube (called the stoma) with sterile water and sterile gauze.

    3. Dry area completely with sterile gauze.

    4. Cover with sterile gauze and apply tape.

    Every day after about 10 days, you should:
    1. Check skin around site for infection or irritation (redness, drainage, swelling).

    2. Tell visiting nurse or your doctor if you see signs of infection.

    3. Clean stoma site with soap and water.

    4. Dry area completely.

    5. Rotate PEG tube to prevent sticking to the track.

    6. Do not rotate PEJ tubes.

    Back to top

    When to Call the Doctor or Nurse

    If you see signs of infection: Fever, redness, pain, swelling or thick yellow/green drainage from G-Tube sites.

    • Stomach contents greater than 350ml.

    • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.

    • If tube gets clogged or comes out

    Back to top

    Your Instructions for Home

    Your instructions for home should include:

    • Your visiting nurse:

    • Your formula:

    • Obtain supplies and formula from:

    • Formula name or brand:

    • Daily amount and rate:

    • Daily water flushes:

    Back to top

    More Ways to Learn



    Note: This information is not meant to replace any information or personal medical advice which you get directly from your doctor(s). If you have any questions about this information, such as the risks or benefits of the treatment listed, please ask your doctor(s).

    Produced by the Center for Patient and Community Education in association with the staff and physicians at California Pacific Medical Center. Last updated: July 2011.
    Back to top