Gastric surgery, feeding tube

[HanChong]

Hi there,
My dad who is 68 yrs old was diagnosed with Stage III stomach cancer roughly 3 weeks ago and had ~50% of his stomach removed over a week ago.  He has a feeding tube (j tube) and it seems to leak a lot and cause him some discomfort.  It is quite red and slightly swollen around the sutures.
Is this normal?  Also, what is the time frame between surgery and chemotherapy or radiation therapy?
Thank you so much for reading and potential comments.
Warmest Regards,
Hopeful daughter.

[Fernando Roque, MD]

Hi.  The J tube should not have any leaks. This is not normal and should be brought to the attention of the surgeon so he can remedy the situation.  The reddish area around the sutures may be irritation from the leaking material.  Chemotherapy or radiation therapy is usually done between 4-6 weeks after the surgery, to allow time for the wound to heal.

[Fernando Roque, MD]

Hi.  The J tube should not have any leaks. This is not normal and should be brought to the attention of the surgeon so he can remedy the situation.  The reddish area around the sutures may be irritation from the leaking material.  Chemotherapy or radiation therapy is usually done between 4-6 weeks after the surgery, to allow time for the wound to heal.