Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital

Pingtung Branch of Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital

Discharge Care Instructions After Liver Transplantation

1.When to Start Feeding

Feeding through the jejunostomy tube usually begins 5–6 days after surgery, as directed by your healthcare team.

2.Equipment Preparation

Prepare the following items before feeding:

• Feeding syringe
• Feeding bag (if continuous feeding is used)
• Milk or formula
• Warm boiled water
• Tissue paper
• Measuring cup

3.Feeding Methods

• Intermittent Feeding (Using a Feeding Syringe)
• Wash hands thoroughly before and after each feeding.
• Check the position of the feeding tube to ensure it has not slipped, twisted, or been compressed.
• Before feeding, clamp or fold the feeding tube, pour about 30 mL of warm water into the syringe, and check if the tube is open and unobstructed.
• Have the patient sit or lie at a 45–60° semi-upright position. Hold the syringe or feeding container 45–60 cm above the stomach level.
• The feeding speed should be slow and steady.
• When the milk or formula is nearly finished, clamp the tube immediately to prevent air from entering.
• After feeding, flush the tube with 30–50 mL of warm water to keep it clean and prevent blockage.
• Maintain a semi-upright position (45–60°) for at least 30 minutes after feeding to aid digestion.
• When giving medications:
• Crush the tablets finely and mix them with a small amount of water in a medicine cup.
• Administer the medicine slowly through the syringe, alternating with small amounts of water to avoid clogging.
• Continuous Feeding (Using a Feeding Pump)
• Expel the air from the feeding bag before starting to prevent air from entering the stomach.
• Hang the feeding bag properly on the feeding pump.
• Do not overfill the drip chamber; the liquid level should be between the two indicator lines.
• Place ice packs behind the feeding bag to keep the milk or formula cool and prevent spoilage.

4.Important Reminders

• Avoid allowing air to enter the feeding tube during feeding, as this can cause abdominal bloating.
• Do not suction phlegm or reposition the patient within 30 minutes after feeding, to reduce the risk of vomiting and aspiration pneumonia.
• If the feeding tube becomes blocked, try to withdraw the contents with the syringe or apply gentle pressure to clear the obstruction.
• Note:
  Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions. If you notice leakage around the tube, swelling, redness, pain, or blockage that cannot be cleared, contact your nurse or return to the hospital for assessment