What Are G Tubes for Newborns Honolulu HI

Get Legal Help for Birth Injuries from G Tubes

If you’re curious about what are G tubes for newborns in Honolulu HI, it’s important to understand that these tubes are used to directly deliver nutrients to the stomach. However, the use of G tubes can carry risks, including birth injuries such as cerebral palsy and asphyxia. At SRB Hawaii Law, we’re here to help you navigate any legal issues related to birth injury and offer a free consultation to discuss your options.

At SRB Hawaii Law, we can help you determine if the medical situation could have been avoided during a free consultation. We have over 30 years of experience in representing clients with birth injury concerns. Reach out to us today to discuss your child’s experience with your hospital.

What are G tubes for Babies?

G tubes, or gastrostomy tubes, are medical devices that are used to provide nutrition and hydration to babies who are unable to take food or fluids by mouth. A G tube is a tube that is inserted through a small incision in the abdomen and into the stomach. It is typically held in place with a balloon or a special device that is attached to the skin.

G tubes for babies are used in a variety of situations, including:

• Premature babies who are not yet able to coordinate sucking and swallowing
• Babies who have a medical condition that makes it difficult or impossible to take food or fluids by mouth, such as cerebral palsy or a cleft palate
• Babies who have a condition that makes it difficult to gain weight or grow, such as cystic fibrosis or congenital heart disease
• Babies who are recovering from surgery or a medical procedure that has affected their ability to eat or drink.

In general, a G tube is used as a last resort when other feeding methods have failed or are not sufficient. It is important to work closely with a medical professional to determine if a G tube is necessary and to ensure that it is placed and used correctly.

What Happens During G-Tube Placement?

G-tube placement, also known as gastrostomy tube placement, is a medical procedure that involves the insertion of a feeding tube directly into the stomach through the abdominal wall. Here are the general steps involved in the procedure:

1. Preparation: Before the procedure, the baby may be given medication to help them relax and prevent pain. The baby’s abdomen will be cleaned and sterilized.
2. Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is typically used to numb the area around the insertion site. In some cases, general anesthesia may be used to help the baby sleep through the procedure.
3. Tube insertion: The doctor will use a special instrument called an endoscope to guide the tube through the mouth, esophagus, and into the stomach. Once the tube is in place, a small incision is made in the abdomen and the tube is pulled through the incision and secured to the skin.
4. X-ray confirmation: An X-ray is typically taken immediately after the tube is placed to confirm the proper placement of the tube in the stomach.
5. Post-procedure care: The baby will be monitored closely for several hours after the procedure to ensure that there are no complications. The baby may be started on a clear liquid diet and gradually advanced to regular feeds through the tube.

While G-tube placement is generally a safe procedure, it does carry some risks, including bleeding, infection, and injury to surrounding organs. The baby’s medical team will carefully monitor them after the procedure to ensure their safety and well-being.

How Do I Care for a Baby with a G Tube?

The use of a G tube for a baby requires careful monitoring and management to ensure that the baby is receiving the proper nutrition and hydration and to prevent complications such as infection or tube dislodgement. The baby’s caregivers will need to receive training on how to care for the G tube, including how to clean and maintain the site, how to administer feedings, and how to recognize and respond to any potential complications. A healthcare provider will typically monitor the baby’s growth and overall health to ensure that the G-tube is meeting their nutritional needs.

Who Can Install G Tubes?

The procedure to install a G tube for a baby is typically performed by a pediatric surgeon or a pediatric gastroenterologist. These medical professionals have specialized training and experience in performing procedures on infants and children, and they are familiar with the unique needs and challenges that can arise during the placement of a G tube in a baby.

Before the procedure, the medical professional will evaluate the baby’s medical history, physical condition, and any potential risks associated with the procedure. They will also discuss the procedure and any potential complications with the parents or caregivers of the baby.

It is important to work with a medical professional who is experienced in G-tube placement for babies and who can provide guidance on the best approach for the individual baby. The medical professional should also provide thorough instructions on how to care for the G-tube and monitor for any potential complications.

What are the Risks and Complications That Can Arise During or After a G-Tube Placement?

Like any medical procedure, G-tube placement has some risks and potential complications. Some of the possible risks and complications that may arise during or after a G-tube placement include:

• Infection: There is a risk of infection at the site of the incision and around the G-tube. Signs of infection include fever, redness, swelling, and discharge from the incision site.
• Bleeding: There may be some bleeding during the procedure, or the baby may develop bleeding after the procedure. Signs of bleeding include excessive or ongoing bleeding from the incision site or around the G-tube.
• Displacement or blockage of the tube: The tube may move out of place, become dislodged or blocked, or develop a kink. This can lead to difficulty or inability to feed the baby and may require repositioning or replacement of the tube.
• Peritonitis: This is a serious complication that occurs when the contents of the stomach leak into the abdominal cavity. Signs of peritonitis include severe abdominal pain, fever, and vomiting.
• Aspiration: There is a risk that food or liquid may enter the baby’s lungs during feeding, which can cause aspiration pneumonia.
• Allergic reaction: In rare cases, the baby may develop an allergic reaction to the anesthesia, medications, or materials used during the procedure.
• Granulation tissue: Overgrowth of tissue around the site of the G-tube can occur, leading to irritation, pain, and discharge.

It is important to monitor the baby closely after a G-tube placement for any signs of complications and to follow the medical team’s instructions for the care and maintenance of the G-tube.

What Medical Injuries Can Arise from G-Tube Placements on Newborns?

While G-tube placement is generally considered safe, there are some potential birth injuries that can arise from the procedure. Some of these injuries include:

• Perforation of the stomach or intestine: If the tube is accidentally inserted too far or at the wrong angle, it may perforate the stomach or intestine. This can lead to serious infections and other complications.
• Infection: As mentioned earlier, there is a risk of infection at the site of the incision and around the G-tube. In severe cases, the infection can spread and cause serious health complications.
• Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC): NEC is a serious condition that can occur in premature infants who are fed through a G-tube. The condition is characterized by inflammation and death of the intestinal tissue and can be life-threatening.
• Aspiration: Aspiration occurs when food or liquid enters the lungs, causing breathing difficulties and potentially serious lung infections.
• Dislodgement or blockage of the tube: The tube may move out of place or become blocked, leading to feeding difficulties and potentially serious health complications.
• Cerebral palsy: In rare cases, the baby may develop cerebral palsy as a result of complications during or after the G-tube placement procedure.

It is important to discuss the risks and potential complications of G-tube placement with the medical team before the procedure and to monitor the baby closely for any signs of complications or injuries after the procedure.

How Can I File a Case for Medical Malpractice?

Medical malpractice claims are typically filed on behalf of a patient who has suffered harm or injury as a result of medical negligence or errors. In the case of a birth injury to a baby, the claim would be filed by the parents or legal guardians of the baby.

Hawaii law requires that medical malpractice claims be filed within two years of the date of the injury, or within two years of the date that the injury was discovered or should have been discovered through reasonable diligence. There is also a statute of repose in Hawaii, which limits the time period during which a medical malpractice claim can be filed to six years from the date of the injury.

To pursue a birth injury claim in Hawaii, it is important to work with an experienced attorney who is familiar with the relevant laws and can help guide the family through the legal process. The attorney can help investigate the circumstances surrounding the injury, identify the responsible parties, and work to negotiate a settlement or pursue a lawsuit to seek compensation for the damages caused by the injury.

To file a medical malpractice claim in Hawaii, there are several steps that need to be taken:

• Consult with an attorney

It is important to work with an experienced attorney who can help evaluate the circumstances surrounding the birth injury and determine whether there are grounds for a medical malpractice claim.

• Obtain medical records

The attorney will need to obtain copies of the baby’s medical records, including records from prenatal care, labor and delivery, and postpartum care. These records will be used to help determine whether medical negligence or errors played a role in the birth injury.

• Obtain expert opinion

To pursue a medical malpractice claim, it is typically necessary to obtain an expert opinion from a medical professional who specializes in the same area of medicine as the healthcare provider who is being accused of medical negligence. The expert will review the medical records and provide an opinion on whether the healthcare provider’s actions were in line with the standard of care.

• File a claim

If the attorney and expert believe there are grounds for a medical malpractice claim, the next step is to file a claim against the healthcare provider or providers who are believed to be responsible for the birth injury.

Seek the Help of Our Birth Injury Lawyer

If you or a loved one is dealing with the aftermath of a birth injury and wondering what are G Tubes for newborns in Honolulu HI, SRB Hawaii Law is here to help. Our experienced attorneys have helped families just like yours with birth injuries such as:

• Anoxic Brain Injury, 
• Birth Asphyxia, 
• Birth Injuries from Medications, 
• Birth Injuries from Procedures, 
• Brachial Plexus Injuries/Shoulder Dystocia, 
• Hypoxic Brain Injury, 
• Caput Succedaneum And Cephalohematoma, 
• Cerebral Palsy, 
• Hawaii Nuchal Cord Birth Injury, 
• Infant Broken Bones, 
• Nerve And Spinal Cord Birth Injuries, 
• Catastrophic Damages such as:
  • Wrongful Death, and 
  • Facial Paralysis.

We understand that dealing with a birth injury can be overwhelming and stressful, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Our team is here to provide you with the legal support and guidance you need to navigate this difficult time. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and help you understand your legal options.

Don’t wait to seek the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with one of our birth injury attorneys at SRB Hawaii Law.