Whether due to a congenital condition or chronic disease, some children are unable to meet their nutritional needs through food, so they depend on tube feeding for nutritional support. At Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition of Dr. Erena Treskova, pediatric gastroenterologist, Erena Treskova, MD, specializes in pediatric tube feeding and gastrostomy tube handling. For the management of your child’s tube feeding needs, contact the office in Wayne, New Jersey, or Middletown, New York, phone or through the online tool or register with the office for portal access today.

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What is tube feeding?

Tube feeding, also called enteral nutrition, is a form of liquid nutrition support administered into the body through a tube placed in the stomach or small intestines. Children may need tube feeding for a number of reasons, such as:

  • Congenital disability that prevents eating by mouth
  • Neurological condition that impairs a child’s sucking or swallowing
  • Inability to gain weight from food alone (failure to thrive)
  • Malabsorption disorder

Children who rely on tube feedings to meet their nutritional needs require close monitoring of their weight, height, and development to ensure they’re getting an adequate supply of calories, protein, and other essential nutrients from the liquid nutrition.

Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition of Dr. Erena Treskova specializes in pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition, and they provide all the care and monitoring your child needs to ensure they thrive on their tube feeding regimen.

What is a gastrostomy tube?

A gastrostomy tube, also called a g-tube, is a device placed directly into your child’s stomach through the abdominal wall. Your child’s g-tube is used for the administration of the liquid nutrition formula. Your child may also benefit from the placement of a g-tube if they need medication that’s difficult to take.

The practice is assessing children who may benefit from gastrostomy tube feeds with or without Nissen fundoplication and recommends surgery. After surgical placement of the tube done by a surgeon, the practice handles pediatric gastrostomy tube issues, including maintenance and replacement as needed. Practice will help you to direct care and manage problems that arise with the gastronomy tube, such as infections or dislodgement and work with visiting home nurses, DME company and insurance on care coordination.

What can I expect during tube feeding care for my child?

You can expect attentive and comprehensive care for your child at Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition of Dr. Erena Treskova. The practice takes an integrative approach to care, combining traditional medical treatments with alternative therapies to ensure your child gets everything they need to feel their best and thrive.

During your tube feeding visit, the pediatric gastroenterologist reviews your child’s tube feeding regimen and bowel habits, assesses growth and development, and evaluates the gastrostomy tube site.

Based on your child’s age, diagnosis, and needs, the pediatric gastroenterologist offers specific recommendations to maintain or optimize health, wellness, and growth included but not limited to lab work, radiology, medical testing, gastrostomy site care, mineral, vitamin, caloric adjustments.

For expert care of your child’s tube feeding needs, contact Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition of Dr. Erena Treskova by calling the office or booking an appointment through the online scheduling tool to register with the office for portal access today.

Telemedicine appointments are also available.