Patient Education Cancer of the Pancreas: A Care Guide | Page 24

Nourishment
Your diet will be guided by your
surgeon and dietitian after surgery. In
general you should avoid carbonated
drinks, spicy foods, and high-sugar
and fatty foods, as they cause your
pancreas to work harder while
digesting. Take your time and chew
your food well before swallowing.
Gradually you will be transitioned to a
normal diet.
If you go home with tube feedings,
don’t forget to keep records of all
calories you take in by mouth and
bring this to your surgeon, as it will
help us guide the transition back to
your normal diet faster and safer.
• Jejunostomy or J tube. This tube
goes through the skin of the
abdomen and into the small
intestine. The tip of the tube rests
in the part of the small intestine
called the jejunum.
• Gastrostomy, PEG, or G tube. This
tube goes through the skin of the
abdomen and into the stomach.
The tip rests in the stomach.
• Gastrostomy-jejunal tube. This
combination tube works as two
tubes in one. It is put in through
the skin of the abdomen. One tube
tip rests in the stomach to drain
fluid from the stomach. The second
tube is threaded through the first
tube and into the small intestine.
The tip of the second tube rests
in the middle part of the small
intestine called the jejunum. This
tube is used for feeding.
Feeding Tubes
A feeding tube provides a way for you
to get liquid food into your stomach
or small intestine to give your body
the nutrients it needs.
Your doctor and dietitian will
determine which type and how much
feeding to give you to meet your
nutrient and calorie needs.
You will also need to take in more
water each day by drinking or by
putting it in through your feeding
tube, unless your doctor wants you to
limit fluids.
Feeding tubes are named by the place
at which they enter the body and
where the tip of the tube lies.
• Nasogastric or NG tube. This
tube goes through the nose and
esophagus. The tip of the tube
rests in the stomach.
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