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Gastrostomy tubes are inserted for various reasons. They may be needed temporarily or permanently.
Gastrostomy tube insertion may be recommended for:
Birth defects of the mouth, esophagus, or stomach (esophageal atresia or tracheal esophageal fistula)
Problems with sucking and/or swallowing, for example in patients debilitated by stroke or dementia
Review Date 7/22/2025
Updated by: Todd Eisner, MD, Private practice specializing in Gastroenterology in Boca Raton and Delray Beach, Florida at Gastroenterology Consultants of Boca Raton. Affiliate Assistant Professor, Florida Atlantic University School of Medicine. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
