When a balloon gastrostomy button/tube is accidentally removed, there is a risk of the tract closing so it is imperative that a suitable device is inserted into the tract after displacement. EN-Plugs are specifically designed for this purpose to ensure gastrostomy tract patency whilst minimising risk. Health care practitioners and parents must have training, including awareness of the manufacturer’s instructions, before using the device to ensure that the device is used appropriately and correctly.
Our proposed standard of care for a child being discharged with a balloon gastrostomy button/tube requires that the patient has a spare device ordered in the community and that the patient is discharged from hospital with an EN-Plug-S device. This ensures the patient has the appropriate device in the event of the balloon gastrostomy button/tube being accidental removed and the device can be inserted into the patient’s gastrostomy tract in order to prevent closure. The device is only for gastrostomy use and for established tracts (>3 months since initial gastrostomy creation).
En-Plugs-S are only for short term use until the appropriate gastrostomy feeding device can be inserted into the tract by an appropriately trained person. This device is for use in the clinical setting and community setting.
EN-plugs are made of medical grade silicone and are latex and phthalate free. The device is for single patient use only and EN-Plugs should not to be reused. This product should not be used in any patients with a history of allergy to silicone.
En Plugs-S are only available in a packet of 4 with sizes Fr 10, 12, 14 and 16 together in packet. Each EN-PLUGS-S is individually packaged and the size identified on the outer seal.
All sizes of EN-PLUG-S are white in colour and the size of the device is stated on the outer packaging.
The EN- Plug-S length for gastrostomy use is 4 cm. There is a longer version (denoted as EN-Plug) that should not be used in children.
EN-Plugs-S should not be removed from the packaging unless it is for direct use. The packaging should be inspected before use for damage or breaches to any seal to ensure the product is not contaminated.