Stroke Training and Awareness Resources (STARs)

Is Bill suitable for gastrostomy?

You now need to work through the following steps to ensure that Bill is suitable for a gastrostomy.

flowchart guiding through steps to ascertain Bill's suitability for gastroscopy

Bill has capacity and has consented to gastrostomy tube placement.

  1. Bill has adequate information and is able to make an informed decision. [If so, go to step 2; if not, go to step 3.]
  2. Is Bill likely to need feeding for at least 30 days? [If so, go to step 5; if not, go to step 4.]
  3. Continue with NG/provide information. If a patient does not have capacity in Scotland an Incapacity Certificate may be required. [Finish here.]
  4. Consider continuing NG feeding. [Finish here.]
  5. Does Bill have any contra-indications to gastrostomy placement (list below)? [If so, go to step 6; if not, go to step 7.]
    1. INR >1.5
    2. Platelets <50×10/9/L
    3. Previous gastric surgery
    4. Varices
    5. Peptic ulceration
    6. Ascites
    7. Active peritoneal sepsis
    8. Large hiatus hernia
    9. Risk of aspiration with gastric-oesophageal reflux
  6. Consult with consultant GI specialist. [Finish here.]
  7. Proceed with gastrostomy
    1. Assess ability to manage gastrostomy
    2. Identify training needs for Bill, his family, and carers

Page last reviewed: 02 May 2021