What is the procedure of removal of feeding tubes? Is it surgical? Is the hole sewn shut?

PEG tubes are removed right in the doctors office. Most doctors will want to make sure the patient is able to sustain themselves without using the tube for a month or more prior to removal. They must maintain their weight while not using the tube. Better to hang onto it and not need it than to have it removed and end up getting another one a couple weeks later.

To be honest, this is going to hurt (only a very brief flash of pain). The doctor will give one big pull, yanking it out then quickly cover the opening with gauze putting some pressure on the site. For me, it hurt like heck for about a minute (it took my breath away!) and then I felt instantly better and was able to stand up nice and straight for the first time in many months.

Good luck!!!

The stoma is not stitched. It closes by itself and healing goes from the inside out. If you haven't had the PEG for a long time, it could close up in a matter of days. People who have had it for a long time, like my husband (2 1/2 years), a mature channel may have formed in the stomach and the stoma may not close entirely. We are waiting for an appointment to go in and have an endoscopy so that the doctor can put a couple of clips in the stomach to make it close. The actual site on his tummy is now only 1 mm or so in size.

Like ChristineB said, my husband had to be taking all his nutrition by mouth for three mouths and his dietitian had to confirm this with the doctor before the tube was removed.

Kris has had 2 different types of PEGs. The first was the long pendulous type. This was removed by a hard yank. No problems
The PEG was reinserted 3 months later when he had his recurrence. This one was a Mickey button. This was In place for 3 years and 3 months. 2 weeks ago Kris decided it was time he had it removed permanently. I just simply deflated the balloon and took it out. Much as I did when I changed it for a new one every 4 months. Just that this time, I did not insert another one. We did consult with a surgeon prior to this and he told us that it would just close itself, and it has. He did say that if it continued to leak that he would need a surgical closure. Kris won't be needing this. I must say neither of us are sorry to see it go.
Good luck with yours,
Tammy

Thank you for your responses. I have had my PEG changed out 4 times. Once in Office and twice in out patient. It was originally placed at the end of a badly keloid Gallbladder removal scar. The first PEG was large and others smaller. The opening didn't get smaller but did develop a growth about 1/4" in size on side which bled and leaked everyday.

The one replaced in office - the tube filled with blood. I returned to Dr and he had my wife flush as he had no syringes in office.

I have made and appt with a surgeon to discuss remove the stoma hole all together (football shaped cut around the hole). Then stitch it back together in layers.

Larry,

Do you know if the growth is granulation? If so, it can be removed using silver nitrate. What did your doctor say?

Saw ENT yesterday. It's just granulation tissue. He agreed I am doing better and wrote a script for me to have tube removed. My GI said July 7th if I can go without formula til then and maintain weight. In office is fine. ENT said it should heal up in 7 to 10 days from inside out. So I am happily doing my best to eat!

YAY.... hugs!

That's good news indeed Larry.

I got it out. Lots of blood soaked through dressing by time I got home. I emailed Dr for instructions. Nurse said I can take a shower. I want to ask has anyone else had a lot of blood and can you let soap and water go into the hole? I asked but only answer was change dressing when wet and take a shower.
I am allergic to the tape. Is there any other way to keep a drainage spong on?
Appreciate any advice.
Glad to have it out.