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Constipation and G-Tubes

Question

An 11-year-old who had a Nissen Fundoplication is experiencing a lot of constipation and gas. He's tried Zantac, Mylanta, Prevacid, Reglan, and Enulose, all without effect. What other medications might provide him relief? Would Miralax be effective? What would you recommend for medications and are there any tests he should be having? He is also having difficulty with the area around the G-tube. Despite the application of different creams, antibiotics, keeping it dry...it is chronically inflamed. It had to be changed once already and the doctors are saying they won't put another one in. What do you suggest?

Answer of our experts

Miralax is a great medication for constipation. The laxatives he was on work by producing gas, so Miralax would probably be more effective for him.

I would go back to the surgeon who put in the g-tube to have it looked at. There are many reasons for red G-tube sites and the child should be seen by doctor to evaluate the g-tube site and course of treatment. Some hospitals use a stomal therapist for the difficult cases. CP/TK 7-13-10

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Recommendation(s)

Reflux

R32

Consider always gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) in any individual with CdLS owing to its frequency and wide variability in presentation, which includes challenging behaviour.

R33

Modification of nutrition and proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are the first-line treatments of GORD. Anti-reflux medications need to be used to their maximum dosage. Surgical interventions for GORD should be limited to those individuals with CdLS in whom nutritional and medical treatments have been unsuccessful or airway safety is at risk.

R34

If GORD symptoms persist, endoscopy should be strongly considered whilst an individual with CdLS is still in paediatric care.

R35

Surveillance for Barrett’s Oesophagus needs to be discussed with and decided together with the family, balancing the potential gain in health and burden for the individual with CdLS.

Recommendation(s)

Feeding and Dental Difficulties

R12

In every CdLS individual with prolonged and marked feeding difficulties, the multidisciplinary assessment (from healthcare workers across many disciplines) should consider (temporary) placement of a gastrostomy (surgical opening through the abdomen into the stomach) as a supplement to oral feeding.

R13

In individuals with CdLS who have recurrent respiratory infections, reflux and/or aspiration (breathing foreign objects into airways) should be ruled out.

R14

The palate should be closely examined at diagnosis. In case of symptoms of a (submucous) cleft palate, referral for specialist assessment is indicated.

R15

Dental assessment and cleaning should take place regularly; a more thorough dental examination or treatment under anaesthesia may be necessary.

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Please take note that the Ask the Expert service is comprised of volunteer professionals in various areas of focus. Answers are not considered a medical, behavioral, or educational consultation. Ask the Expert is not a substitute for the care and attention your child’s personal physician, psychologist, educational consultant, or social worker can deliver.

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Constipation and G-Tubes

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