What happens before and during surgery?

Here’s what to expect as you get ready for feeding tube surgery.

What do I need to do before surgery?

In the days leading up to your surgery:

• You’ll need to stop eating and drinking a few hours before surgery. You may also need to stop taking certain medicines.
• If you use a non-invasive ventilation (NIV) device to help you breathe, you’ll need to bring it to the hospital with you.  

If you have any questions, talk to your ALS care team. They can explain what’s going to happen and let you know exactly what you need to do to get ready.

Will I be awake during surgery?

You will be awake, but your care team will give you a type of medicine called a sedative that helps you feel more relaxed and comfortable. Your care team may call this “conscious sedation.” You’ll also get a local anesthetic to numb the spot where the doctor will place your feeding tube.

How long will the surgery take?

Inserting the feeding tube only takes a few minutes, but the whole process of getting ready and waiting for the sedative medicine to wear off may take 2 to 3 hours.

Depending on your needs, you may go home the same day or spend 1 or 2 nights in the hospital.