Can I take a bath or shower with a PEG tube?

It is possible to bathe and shower with a PEG once the wound has healed following PEG placement.

In simple terms, the creation of a gastrostomy (“stoma,” the opening) is comparable to piercing an earlobe. In a gastrostomy, a hole is “pierced” through the abdominal wall, which initially forms a wound that is kept open by the inserted PEG tube (plastic tube). This wound is initially irritated and must be protected against infection. Once it has healed, a non-irritating opening forms that is no longer susceptible to infection.

Under these conditions, showering and bathing (including in swimming pools and open bodies of water) are possible. The healing process for a gastrostomy takes about four to six weeks. Before swimming for the first time, it is advisable to have the stoma examined by a doctor or a dietitian who is familiar with PEG care. Overall, once the PEG wound has healed, showering, bathing, and swimming are straightforward.