Seeking input from PALS who have a button/low profile PEG

[TFB]

I posted this under the "PEG feeding tube help" thread a week ago and only received one response, so I assume nobody saw it there. Reposting here.

I had a dangler PEG inserted six months ago. It's pretty nasty now and I need to get it replaced soon. I'm considering changing to the button/low profile type. My questions are: What's on the inside that keeps it in place? If it's a balloon, what is the maintenance? Can it be pulled out a little to clean under it like my dangler? How often does it need to be replaced and what is the procedure? Is feeding slower than with the dangler type? How does the external tube connect? What keeps stomach contents from coming out? Does it irritate your belly skin? I use a little split gauze pad under mine to prevent that. Anything else I need to know? Thanks in advance.

 

[ahl39]

1. Yes balloon
2. No maintance, can inflate or deflate balloon using separate valve to comfort. Obviously if things start leaking you put in too little water
3. It can be replaced every 6 month or whenever it goes bad.
4. Yes slower, its a smaller opening
5. There is lock and key mechanism to connect to external tube
6. The balloon
7. Yes it irritates. There will be discharge around the opening. Not a lot you can do to prevent it. Some people put on a little aquafor. Gauze is fine.

 

[lgelb]

If you search using the button up top here, or Google G-tube button, you'll see a lot of information and the specifics you're asking about. There is also a feedingtube subreddit.

Most people prefer the buttons because of the low profile and they can be changed at home, but since a connector is required for feeding, that is a small extra step, probably the top reason some people stay with the danglers.

 

[IronLady]

@TFB I replied to your original post on the same day (May 22), pity you did not see it. If you're interested, here is a copy of my post:
I've had low profile buttons for years, first the Mic-Key brand, now MiniONE brand, both of which have water filled balloons to hold them in the stomach.

The balloon water is changed every two weeks by a family member, it’s a simple procedure, remove the old water and replace it with fresh sterile, distilled or cooled boiled water, a directed.

Yes, there's a gap between the button and the skin to allow for cleaning.

My button is changed every 4 months, at home, by a family member - different providers will have different arrangements. The change is straightforward and fast - deflate balloon, remove old button, clean the site, lube the new button, insert into tract, fill the balloon. Best done laying flat.

There's a connection tube which attaches to the button and to a syringe or pump feeding set for giving meds, fluid, bolus feeds or pump feeds.

Feeding should be the same however, the connection tube and button have very small holes so, even if the tube width is wide, say 18 or 18 or 22Fr, there might be an issue with thicker, blended foods.

There's a valve in the button and a cap to prevent leaking.