Feeding Tube Replacement with Foley Catheter

Home care

The following will help you care for yourself at home:

• Unless told otherwise, continue feedings as normal. 

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

  • The tube is narrow, so use only commercial feeding formulas. This will help keep the tube from getting clogged. These formulas are meant to give you all the protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals you need. Follow the advice of your healthcare provider, registered dietitian, or nurse about 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 recline 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 (aspirate) the solution into the lungs. Stay in this position for at least 30 minutes after the feeding.

  • Infuse food slowly. It may take more than 1 hour for 1 feeding session.

• If the tube becomes blocked, flush 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.

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

• Don't deflate the balloon unless told to by a healthcare 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.

Follow-up care

Follow up with your healthcare provider, or as advised, to have the Foley catheter replaced with a standard feeding tube.

Call 911

Call 911 if you either of the following occur:

• Chest pain

• Trouble breathing

When to get medical advice

Call your healthcare provider right away if any of the following occur:

• Foley catheter falls out

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

• Redness, pus, or bleeding at the insertion site

• Stomach contents leak around the tube onto the stomach

• Stomach pain or swelling that gets worse

• Fever of 100.4ºF (38ºC) or higher, or as advised by your provider

• Vomiting your tube feedings