Feeding Tube Replacement With Foley Catheter

Home care

Here's some information to help you care for yourself at home.

• Unless told otherwise, continue feedings as normal.

  • Before making the formula or touching the feeding tube, wash your hands with soap and clean, running water.

  • Check that your formula is warm or at room temperature before you start.

  • The tube is narrow, so use only commercial feeding formulas. This will help keep the tube from getting clogged. These formulas give you all the protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals you need. Ask your health care provider, registered dietitian, or nurse how many feedings you need each day, and the length of time between each feeding.

  • Flush the tube with clear water before and after feedings. Also flush the tube after medicine has been given through the tube.

  • When feeding, sit upright or lean back at not less than 30°. This will reduce the risk of the feeding solution draining upward toward the throat. This could cause you to breathe the solution into your lungs. Stay in this position for at least 30 minutes after the feeding.

  • Infuse food slowly. It may take more than one hour for one feeding session.

• If the tube becomes blocked, flush it with a syringe full of water. 

• If you feel bloated after feeding, remove the cap from the end of the tube so that extra air in the stomach can flow out. Then, cough. This will help remove the extra air.

• If oral medicines must be given, first ask your provider or pharmacist for instructions. Each medicine may need to be prepared in a certain way to be effective. General guidelines include:

  • Finely crush and dissolve medicines in purified or sterile water. Ask your pharmacist to help you.

  • Do not crush enteric-coated and extended/delayed-release medicines.

  • Never mix medicines. Prepare and give each medicine separately through the feeding tube.

  • Always flush the tube with a little water between medicines.

• You'll need to take care of your mouth and teeth and see a dentist, even if you're not taking anything by mouth. Brush your teeth and gums daily. Keep your lips moist with a lip balm or petroleum jelly.

• Don't deflate the catheter's balloon unless told to by your health care provider.

• Check that the part of the Foley catheter that has been put over the new tube (external bolster) is not pressed tightly against your skin.

• Don't use any ointments, powders, or sprays around the Foley catheter unless your provider says it's okay.

Follow-up care

Follow up with your health care provider to have the Foley catheter replaced with a standard feeding tube.

Call 911

Call 911 if:

• You have chest pain.

• You have trouble breathing.

When to get medical advice

Call your health care provider right away if:

• Your Foley catheter falls out.

• Your Foley catheter becomes blocked, and you aren't able to clear it.

• You have redness, pus, or bleeding at the insertion site.

• Your stomach contents leak around the tube onto the stomach.

• You have stomach pain or swelling that gets worse.

• You have a fever of 100.4ºF (38ºC) or higher, or as advised by your provider.

• You vomit your tube feedings.