Which is NOT a recommended approach to reduce gastrostomy exit-site leakage?

Which is NOT a recommended approach to reduce gastrostomy exit-site leakage?

• A. Exit site care
• B. Proper outer bumper placement
• C. Prevention of tension on the tube
• D. Increasing tube diameter to fix leakage

Answer: (D)

Reducing exit-site leakage around a gastrostomy tube hinges on preserving a good skin seal and a stable tract rather than changing the tube size. Proper exit-site care keeps the skin clean, dry, and free from irritation or infection, which helps the skin effectively seal around the tube. Placing the external bumper correctly creates a snug seal at the skin–tube interface and prevents outward or inward movement that can disrupt the tract. Preventing tension on the tube minimizes tugging and movement that can pull on the stomach–skin connection and promote leakage. Increasing the tube diameter is not recommended because it can stretch the stoma and surrounding tissue, worsen leakage, cause discomfort, and may interfere with tract maturation.

Reducing exit-site leakage around a gastrostomy tube hinges on preserving a good skin seal and a stable tract rather than changing the tube size. Proper exit-site care keeps the skin clean, dry, and free from irritation or infection, which helps the skin effectively seal around the tube. Placing the external bumper correctly creates a snug seal at the skin–tube interface and prevents outward or inward movement that can disrupt the tract. Preventing tension on the tube minimizes tugging and movement that can pull on the stomach–skin connection and promote leakage. Increasing the tube diameter is not recommended because it can stretch the stoma and surrounding tissue, worsen leakage, cause discomfort, and may interfere with tract maturation.