Feeding Tube Placement (IR) Aftercare Instructions
A day-by-day recovery guide for feeding tube placement (ir): what to expect, how to care for yourself, and when to call. Free to read and print.
What to expect
Contrast Dye Safety
- •Drink plenty of water for 24-48 hours to flush contrast
- •Kidney patients: your team may monitor kidney function after contrast
- •Report any allergic symptoms: hives, itching, difficulty breathing
Feeding Tube Placement (IR) recovery, day by day
After the Procedure
- Keep the puncture site bandage in place for 24 hours
- Apply firm pressure for 10-15 minutes if bleeding occurs at the site
- Rest for the day; no heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 48-72 hours
- Contrast dye: drink extra fluids for 24-48 hours to flush it out
Monitoring
- Check the procedure site regularly for bleeding, swelling, or bruising
- Some bruising and soreness at the site is normal
- If contrast was used, watch for delayed allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling)
- Resume normal diet unless instructed otherwise
Recovery
- Gradually resume normal activities over 2-3 days
- Shower is usually OK after 24 hours; no baths or submerging for 48-72 hours
- Attend follow-up for results and next steps
- Report any new pain, swelling, or fever
When to call your provider or 911
- •Heavy bleeding at the puncture site
- •Rapidly expanding bruise or swelling
- •Numbness or coolness in the limb below the procedure site
- •Severe allergic reaction to contrast dye
- •Fever above 101.5°F
- •Severe abdominal or back pain (if internal procedure)
When in doubt, call your clinic. For a medical emergency, call 911.
Recovery milestones
- Day 3
Site healing
Puncture site healing, bruising resolving
- Day 7
Follow-up
Post-procedure evaluation and next steps
- Day 7
Expected recovery
Complete healing and treatment plan finalized
For clinics
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