hear transplants

My friends son received a heart transplant when he was about 2 years old. he is now 4 and is not eating. He vomits everything he eats. He is underweight. Doctors just found out he has an infection of the blood. The doctors want to do a surgery and put a tube on the chil stomack suppossedly so he can start to gain weight. She is worried,  and doesn't know whether to say yes to the surgery or no? Does anyone know or can think of another option.

[Jeffrey R Boris, M.D.]

Without knowing more about what is happening, it is difficult to say what the cause of these problems is.  It sounds like a gastrostomy tube (G-tube) is being considered here with the goal of feeding the child.  This certainly may be required.  However, if he has an infection, it could also mean that either the immune system is weakened (which can certainly happen with insufficient nutrition) or it could be a sign of rejection.  I am not able to really answer this question without all of the information needed, though.  They should speak with their son's doctors and make sure that their questions are as completely answered as possible, or consider a second opinion.