.avif)
An open gastrostomy is a specialized surgical procedure that creates a direct opening through the abdominal wall into the stomach for placement of a feeding tube. At our practice, we understand that the need for alternative nutritional support can be emotionally challenging for both patients and families. That's why we're committed to providing compassionate, expert care while helping you understand each step of your treatment journey.
This essential procedure effectively provides reliable nutritional access for patients who cannot get adequate nutrition by mouth due to various medical conditions affecting swallowing or digestion. At Lifetime Surgical, our open gastrostomy approach utilizes precise surgical techniques to create a secure, comfortable feeding pathway that minimizes complications.
We employ a meticulously layered closure around the tube and strategic placement that considers both optimal function and patient comfort. Our comprehensive approach includes detailed education on tube care and feeding techniques, resulting in improved nutritional status while preserving dignity and quality of life for patients requiring long-term nutritional support.
You may need an open gastrostomy if you experience:
Inability to swallow safely due to neurological conditions like stroke or ALS
Recurrent aspiration pneumonia from swallowing difficulties
Head and neck cancers affecting normal eating
Severe facial or oropharyngeal trauma requiring alternative feeding
Advanced dementia with feeding difficulties
Congenital abnormalities affecting the ability to feed normally
Severe gastroparesis or chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction
Failure to thrive despite dietary interventions
Need for long-term nutritional supplementation
Inability to meet nutritional needs through oral intake alone
Esophageal strictures or obstructions preventing normal eating
Anatomical variations that prevent endoscopic (PEG) placement
Previous abdominal surgeries that complicate less invasive approaches
Need for gastric decompression in addition to feeding access
At Lifetime Surgical, our approach to open gastrostomy combines precision with personalized care. The procedure begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your nutritional status, medical history, and anatomical considerations to determine the optimal tube type and placement location. What distinguishes us is our surgeon's expertise in performing this procedure even in challenging anatomical situations where endoscopic or laparoscopic approaches may not be feasible. During surgery, we make a carefully planned incision in the upper abdomen, directly accessing the stomach to create a secure stoma (opening) that will accommodate the feeding tube.
Our distinctive approach includes precise placement of purse-string and anchoring sutures that securely attach the stomach to the abdominal wall, preventing leakage while ensuring proper positioning. We select the appropriate tube type—whether a balloon-type, mushroom-tipped, or specialized low-profile device—based on your specific needs and anticipated duration of use.
Throughout your care journey, we implement meticulous wound care and tube site management to prevent infection and skin irritation. Our multidisciplinary team includes dedicated nutritionists, nurses, and feeding specialists who provide comprehensive education for you and your caregivers, ensuring you receive the proper formula, feeding schedule, and tube maintenance instruction. This team approach addresses not only the surgical aspects but also the ongoing nutritional and psychological components of tube feeding, supporting your overall health and quality of life.
Immediate Post-Procedure (1-3 days)
Expect a hospital stay of 2-4 days for monitoring and initial tube feeding trials
Receive pain management to control incisional discomfort
Begin with clear water through the tube before advancing to formula
Learn proper positioning during and after feedings
Work with nurses to understand tube care and feeding techniques
Monitor the surgical site for proper healing around the tube
Practice flushing the tube to maintain patency
Learn to recognize normal tube drainage versus potential complications
Meet with a nutritionist to establish your specific feeding plan
Receive instruction on skin care around the tube site
Prepare for discharge with initial supplies and follow-up appointments scheduled
Short-Term Recovery (1-3 weeks)
Attend your follow-up appointment (typically 7-10 days after surgery)
Continue gentle care of the stoma site as it heals
Progress to your full feeding regimen as tolerated
Monitor for proper wound healing and tube function
Learn to manage common challenges like tube blockage or skin irritation
Establish a routine for tube feeding and care
Avoid submerging the site in water until fully healed (typically 3-4 weeks)
Return to light activities, avoiding heavy lifting (over 10 pounds) for 4-6 weeks
Return to work based on your surgeon's recommendation and job requirements
Begin to adjust psychologically to tube feeding with appropriate support
Report any significant changes in tube function or stoma appearance
Long-Term Adjustment (1-3 months)
The stoma site matures, typically within 4-6 weeks
Develop proficiency in tube care and feeding techniques
Work with your healthcare team to optimize your nutritional formula
Learn tube replacement procedures if you have a balloon-type device
Return to most normal activities, including showering or swimming once the site has healed
Establish strategies for social situations and activities
Monitor weight and nutritional parameters regularly
Consider transitioning to a low-profile device if long-term use is anticipated
Develop troubleshooting skills for common tube issues
Adjust to the psychological aspects of tube feeding
Follow up with your healthcare team to evaluate nutritional goals
Long-Term Expectations
The tube site typically becomes well-established with minimal care requirements
Clean demarcation at the insertion point that becomes increasingly manageable
Improved or stabilized nutritional status and energy levels
Routine tube changes (typically every 3-6 months depending on tube type)
Ability to incorporate tube feeding into daily life with minimal disruption
Regular assessment of continued need and function
Potential for eventual oral feeding resumption in some conditions
Minimal activity restrictions once fully healed
Successful management of both scheduled feedings and medications
Regular follow-up with your healthcare team to monitor overall health
Development of strategies to maintain quality of life and social engagement
Adaptation of feeding schedules to accommodate daily activities
Common Side Effects
Mild discomfort around the tube site during initial healing
A small amount of drainage or discharge around the tube (normal)
Granulation tissue formation at the stoma site
Temporary bloating or feelings of fullness during adjustment to feedings
Minor skin irritation around the stoma
Occasional tube blockage requiring flushing
Need for regular tube maintenance and site care
Adjustment to feeding schedule and formula
Less Common Complications
Wound infection at the surgical site
Tube displacement or migration
Leakage of gastric contents around the tube
Buried bumper syndrome (internal tube component embedding in stomach wall)
Persistent site pain requiring medical evaluation
Gastrocutaneous fistula formation
Peritonitis from tube displacement (rare)
Aspiration pneumonia despite proper feeding technique
Bleeding at the tube site requiring intervention
Tube deterioration requiring early replacement
Persistent granulation tissue requiring treatment
Inadvertent tube removal before tract maturation
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Fever over 101°F (38.3°C)
Severe abdominal pain or increasing tenderness
Significant redness, warmth, swelling, or purulent drainage at the tube site
Tube dislodgement, especially in the first 4 weeks
Inability to flush the tube or administer feedings
Persistent vomiting or severe diarrhea
Feeding material leaking around the tube site
Significant bleeding from the tube site
Black or coffee-ground material in or around the tube
Severe bloating or abdominal distension
Difficulty breathing, especially during or after feedings
Signs of peritonitis (severe abdominal pain, rigid abdomen)
From your first consultation through your complete recovery, we provide:
Thorough evaluation and explanation of your condition
Clear discussion of all treatment options, including non-surgical alternatives when appropriate
Detailed pre-operative instructions to help you prepare
Compassionate care during your hospital stay or outpatient procedure
Comprehensive follow-up care and support during recovery
Ongoing availability to address questions or concerns
We understand that facing head and neck surgery can be intimidating, but you don't have to navigate this journey alone. Our team is committed to providing expert care with a personal touch, ensuring you feel supported, informed, and confident every step of the way.
Your health and wellbeing are our highest priorities, and we're honored to be part of your care team.
.svg)
All our laparoscopic procedures are performed by our highly trained surgical team using state-of-the-art equipment and techniques.
We're committed to providing you with the most advanced, minimally invasive options because we believe you deserve:
Less pain after surgery
Shorter hospital stays
Faster return to work and activities you enjoy
Smaller, less visible scars
Lower risk of complications
Better overall outcomes
Dr. Richard Nguyen is a board-certified General Surgeon with over 20 years of surgical expertise and fellowship training in Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery from Vanderbilt University. Since establishing his practice in San Jose in 2007, he has pioneered innovative surgical techniques, including single-incision laparoscopic procedures and mastery of the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System. Beyond his acclaimed bariatric surgery practice, he has earned national recognition for his specialized expertise in both non-mesh and advanced mesh hernia repairs, while also serving as a critical approach surgeon for anterior spine access procedures. Dr. Nguyen combines technical precision with personalized care across multiple premier facilities throughout the South Bay Area.
I would refer Doctor Nguyen to anyone, in fact I have and they have all had the same experience as me. He is truly great. I owe all my success to Doctor Nguyen and I thank him for all the work he has done for me and continues to do so. He is extremely amazing, and I am very grateful to him.
.avif){kind=avatar}
At 50, I now have a life I had only dreamed of a year before. My body tells me if I am done eating. This surgery is a tool that I have used to the fullest. It is not an easy way out. It still took work. But I honestly know that I would not be living this amazing new life if I didn’t step forward to embrace this life-saving surgery.
.avif){kind=avatar}
Dr. Nguyen has changed my life completely. I feel so much better and I also feel like I’ve got control of my life again…I had high blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol. I took at least 5 different medications for the past 30 years. NOW, after surgery I take no medications only vitamins!
Wondering which surgical procedure might be right for your condition? We're here to help you understand your treatment options and develop a personalized surgical plan. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.
Your path to improved health may be more achievable than you think—with advanced surgical techniques leading to faster recovery, reduced complications, and a significantly enhanced quality of life.