First, if the tube is still in place, it should be examined. There are cases of a malfunctioning tube. It is vital that the clinician take a careful history and review prior records when they are available, to know the type of tube (with internal mushroom cap versus internal balloon). The dressing is removed, and percutaneous incision site is examined for any signs of infection, track closure, or tube displacement in subcutaneous tissue. The area should be appropriately cleaned with sterilizing alcohol or povidone iodine. The area is covered with either sheath in PEG replacement kit or surgical drapes to avoid contaminating the surroundings during PEG replacement.

If PEG tube is not completely dislodged but has been clogged or malfunctioning, the old tube needs to be removed. If the old tube is endoscopically placed tube with internal mushroom tip, then gentle traction is applied to the external portion of the tube to remove internal mushroom. This has to be done with very gentle traction, and excessive force should be avoided at all cost as it can lead to disruption of an even well-formed track. If unusual resistance is felt during attempted removal of the tube by gentle traction, it is best to remove tube after endoscopic cutting of internal bumper/mushroom cap and removal of rest of the tube through external puling. If the old G-tube is with an internal balloon, the balloon is deflated by aspirating fluid through the balloon port which usually consists of 8 to 10 mL of fluid. After this step, once the tube is removed, the similar size PEG tube is prepared to be inserted.

For replacement G-tube, tubes with the balloon tip are usually preferred to minimize the risk of disruption of the old track. A similar diameter PEG tube as the prior tube should be used as a replacement tube. First, the balloon functioning is confirmed outside the body by injecting 8 to 10 mL of saline in balloon port. Once confirmed, the balloon is then deflated again. The balloon tip G-tube is either inserted into track blindly or via the use of guidewire with or without fluoroscopy and is advanced within the track. Once fully inside, the balloon is inflated with 8 to 10 mL of saline or distilled water. The tube is slowly retracted till gentle resistance is encountered due to the internal balloon opposing the gastric wall. At this point, the external portion of the tube is secured with dressing. Both ports of traditional G-tube (feeding port and meds port) are flushed and then capped. A dressing is then applied based on institutional policy. It is vital to apply protective dressing to avoid accidental pulling or dislodgement in patients with altered mentation.

The final step in PEG tube replacement is to confirm the placement. There are certain ways, gastric placement can be confirmed. The simplest method could be bedside method such as flushing air through the tube and auscultating for gastric gurgle. However, this method is quite unreliable. The most accurate tests are confirming internal balloon placement with an endoscope. However, this might not be cost-effective. The most commonly used technique in most practices is to obtain water-soluble contrast through the replacement tube and obtaining a post, contrast-enhanced, abdominal x-ray to confirm placement in the stomach [3].

The major complication of PEG tube replacement is the accidental peritoneal placement of the tube. Peritoneal tube placement should be suspected when after tube replacement or after resuming feeding through the tube, the patient starts having abdominal pain, fever, and signs of frank peritonitis on the exam. If this happens, a prompt investigation should be performed using contrast x-ray with water-soluble contrast or with CT scan of the abdomen. Tube feeds should be stopped immediately. Surgical consult should be obtained, and broad-spectrum antibiotics should be initiated as soon as possible. The patient is then managed conservatively with close hemodynamic monitoring along with surgical assistance if needed.

Other complications are rare, but the tube replacement site can get infected especially if the balloon is underinflated or not opposing the gastric wall. This can lead to leakage of gastric contents into the track. Bleeding due to trauma during tube replacement is rare but can happen. [4] [5] [4]

G-tube malfunction is a commonly encountered in clinical practice both in inpatient and outpatient practice. At some institutes, G-tube replacement is exclusively done by either gastroenterology service or interventional radiology service depending on who initially placed the tube. However, if the patient is seen in the clinic, emergency room, or a nursing home for malfunctioning G-tube, an appropriate service, either gastroenterology or interventional radiology, should be consulted. If the tube has dislodged or come out, the gastrocutaneous fistula track will start to close as soon as in 8 hours but definitely in 24 hours. The longer the duration the tube has been out of place, higher the chances that the track has narrowed or closed. If more than 24 hours has elapsed after G-tube has been displaced, a blind forceful attempt to put a Foley or G-tube should not be done, and replacement should be referred to specialized services (gastrointestinal or interventional radiology). If G-tube has been dislodged for less than 24 hours, consider putting a temporary tube such as a Foley catheter (similar size as G-tube) to prevent the closure of the track and contact a specialty service for replacement. Once the tube is replaced, gastric placement confirmation with contrast-enhanced, abdominal x-ray is recommended [6]. If the patient develops any signs of peritonitis after tube replacement, accidental intraperitoneal tube placement should be suspected and further evaluated. 

G-tube malfunction is commonly encountered by nurses, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and physicians in clinical practice. The team should have a working knowledge of how to handle G-tube problems and provide appropriate intervention and assistance in resolving the dysfunction.