Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in children is safe

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is a safe technique for establishing enteral feeding, even in very sick children, reports December's Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology & Nutrition.

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is widely used for establishing enteral feeding.

Dr Tone Lise Avitsland and colleagues assessed immediate and long-term results after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy insertion.

The research team retrospectively reviewed a total of 121 children.

Median age was 2 years at the time of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy insertion.

Patient morbidity, and indications for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy were measured.

In addition, the team retrospectively registered preoperative findings and perioperative complications.

Vomiting/retching improved in 61% of the children

Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology & Nutrition

Parents/caregivers of 85 children were interviewed for long-term results.

The researchers observed perioperative complications in 12%.

The team noted that 24% died at a median of 15 months after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy.

The researchers interviewed 85 families with a median follow-up time of 6 years.

A substantial majority of parents/caregivers reported that the percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy had a positive influence on their child's situation.

The researchers reported that 98% would have chosen percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy insertion again.

Vomiting/retching improved in 61% of the children, and oral intake enhanced in 43%.

Stoma-related complications were frequent, occurring in 73%.

The researchers found that the gastrostomy tube was permanently removed at a median of 3 years after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement in 25%.

Delayed closure of the gastrocutaneous fistula after gastrostomy removal occurred in 48% of the patients.

The research team observed that time from insertion to removal was not predictive of delayed closure.

Dr Avitsland's team concludes, “Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is a safe technique for establishing enteral feeding, even in very sick children.”

“Major complications are rare, although most children experience minor stoma-related problems.”

“ Parents and caregivers report that the gastrostomy is of great help for themselves and their child.”