Procedure Deep Dive
Pediatric PEG Tube (G-Tube)
Evaluation, placement coordination, and ongoing G-tube care for children who need enteral feeding support.
A percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube, commonly called a G-tube, allows nutrition, fluids, and medications to be delivered directly into the stomach when a child cannot take enough by mouth. It is a lifeline for many children with feeding disorders, chronic illnesses, or neurological conditions.
Dr. Mendez evaluates whether a G-tube is the right step, coordinates placement with an experienced pediatric endoscopist, and then manages the tube site, feeding regimen, and any GI complications that arise.
Conditions & concerns we address
Feeding Disorders
Children who cannot meet nutritional needs orally due to oral aversion, dysphagia, or developmental delay.
Failure to Thrive
When growth faltering persists despite intensive oral feeding interventions.
Chronic Medical Conditions
Conditions like cystic fibrosis, congenital heart disease, or metabolic disorders with high caloric needs.
Neurological Impairment
Children with CP, genetic syndromes, or other conditions affecting safe swallowing.
Gastric Decompression
Venting to relieve severe bloating, retching, or discomfort in select patients.
Tube Conversions
Transitioning from PEG to low-profile buttons (MIC-KEY or Bard) when appropriate.
How Dr. Mendez approaches care
- Comprehensive feeding and nutrition evaluation before recommending G-tube placement.
- Clear discussion of benefits, risks, and what daily life with a G-tube looks like.
- Coordination with pediatric surgery or interventional GI for placement.
- Post-procedure care: site care, flushing, feeding regimen, and troubleshooting.
- Ongoing monitoring for granulation tissue, leakage, infection, and tube migration.
- Transition planning: when and how to move toward oral feeding or remove the tube.
Signs it's time for a consultation
- Your child is not gaining weight or growing despite feeding therapy and supplements.
- Oral feeding is unsafe due to aspiration risk or severe aversion.
- A G-tube is being recommended and you want a second opinion before proceeding.
- The G-tube site has redness, leakage, granulation tissue, or pain.
- You are considering transitioning from a PEG to a button or beginning tube weaning.
Ready to talk it through?
Concierge access means we have the time to listen, evaluate carefully, and stay with your family through every step.