Question:
Stomach Tube won't deflate. Any similar experiences? Solutions?

I had my 3 week post op appointment yesterday to have my stomach tube removed. Unfortunately, after 3 or 4 different Drs. tried, they still couldn't get the balloon to deflate. I was instructed to go home and try tugging on it 2 or 3 times a day until it comes out. Has anyone else had a similar experience? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.    — Laura A. (posted on April 17, 2001)

April 17, 2001
What is the stomach tube and why do yo have it? I haven't heard of this but that would concern me... I hope it all works out.
   — Dawn R.

April 17, 2001
If you have some sort of stomach tube in that is inflated or other wise and you are home I would get to an ER room ASAP and call a good attorney. Are you sure your not pulling our leg ?
   — Mike H.

April 17, 2001
Believe me, this is no leg pulling. Several drs commented that they had had 4 or 5 problem tubes lately and that they must have received a defective lot.
   — Laura A.

April 17, 2001
Let me see if I understand this. Is this your g-tube? or a tube for incisional drainage? (I was "tubeless" post-op). It's the balloon inside of you that won't deflate(actually, I believe it is filled with saline) so that it can be pulled out through the hole, right? AND THEY WANT YOU TO PULL ON IT WITH THE BALLOON STILL INFLATED??? This does not sound right. Are you sure that it is still inflated? Maybe they were able to deflate it but could not get it loose? I would definitely check to make sure of EXACTLY what they did. If the balloon is still inflated then, I would not pull on it-this does not sound like it would feel too great if it did come out. Wouldn't it tear a larger hole? OUCH!!!! Shelley
   — Shelley.

April 17, 2001
It's the G-tube -- the one that's leads into the bypassed portion of the stomach. I understand that the balloon is filled with saline. My understanding from the MDs is that the balloon might/should deflate on it's own within a couple of days -- I would not be removing it while it's inflated.
   — Laura A.