Medical Encyclopedia
Gastrostomy tube placement - series: Indications
Gastrostomy tubes are inserted for various reasons. They may be needed temporarily or permanently.
Gastrostomy tube insertion may be recommended for:
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birth defects of the mouth, esophagus, or stomach (esophageal atresia or tracheal esophageal fistula)
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problems with sucking and/or swallowing, for example in patients debilitated by stroke or dementia
Update Date: 5/8/2008
Updated by: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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