Seeking input from PALS who have a button type PEG

[TFB]

I had a dangler PEG inserted six months ago. It's pretty nasty now and I need to get it replaced soon. I'm considering changing to the button type. My questions are: What's on the inside that keeps it in place? If it's a balloon, what is the maintenance? Can it be pulled out a little to clean under it like my dangler? How often does it need to be replaced and what is the procedure? Is feeding slower than with the dangler type? How does the external tube connect? What keeps stomach contents from coming out? Anything else I need to know? Thanks in advance.

 

[IronLady]

I've had low profile buttons for years, first the Mic-Key brand, now MiniONE brand, both of which have water filled balloons to hold them in the stomach.

The balloon water is changed every two weeks by a family member, it’s a simple procedure, remove the old water and replace it with fresh sterile, distilled or cooled boiled water, a directed.

Yes, there's a gap between the button and the skin to allow for cleaning.

My button is changed every 4 months, at home, by a family member - different providers will have different arrangements. The change is straightforward and fast - deflate balloon, remove old button, clean the site, lube the new button, insert into tract, fill the balloon. Best done laying flat.

There's a connection tube which attaches to the button and to a syringe or pump feeding set for giving meds, fluid, bolus feeds or pump feeds.

Feeding should be the same however, the connection tube and button have very small holes so, even if the tube width is wide, say 18 or 18 or 22Fr, there might be an issue with thicker, blended foods.

There's a valve in the button and a cap to prevent leaking.