Changing the water in the balloon procedure - G-tubes only

Paediatric guidelines (in development)
NHS Lothian

THIS ONLY APPLIES TO G-TUBES AND SHOULD BE DONE WEEKLY

 

Items required for the procedure

  • 2 X 5-10ml syringes (luer slip)
  • Cooled boiled water

The Procedure

  1. Collect equipment.
  2. Inform the child/young person that you are going to change the water in the balloon.
  3. Wash and dry hands thoroughly.
  4. In one syringe draw up prescribed amount of cooled boiled water.
  5. Hold the gastrostomy tube in place and attach the empty syringe into the balloon port at the side of the gastrostomy tube. Withdraw the water from the balloon and remove syringe.
  6. Keep holding the gastrostomy tube, attach the syringe with the prescribed amount of cooled boiled water to the balloon port and gently infuse.
  7. While keeping pressure on the syringe plunger remove the syringe.
  8. Gently pull the gastrostomy tube upwards until you feel resistance. This will confirm the balloon is re-inflated.
  9. Dispose of syringes as advised by a healthcare professional.
  10. Wash and dry hands thoroughly.