Insertion of a gastrostomy tube (G-tube) is done in part using a procedure called endoscopy. This is a way to look inside the body using a flexible probe with a small camera on the end. The endoscope is inserted through the mouth and down the esophagus, which leads to the stomach.

After the endoscopic tube is inserted, the skin over the left side of the belly area (abdomen) is cleaned and numbed. The doctor makes a small surgical cut in this area. The G-tube is inserted into the stomach through this incision. The doctor uses sutures to close the stomach around the tube.