Single-stage percutaneous gastrostomy button insertion: a leap forward.
BACKGROUND
Gastrostomy buttons are widely used in adults and children with neurologic and nutritional problems.


METHODS
The development of the Medicina gastrostomy button (which uses a Foley-type balloon for retention) and the Cope needle (for controlling the stomach) has allowed the development of a single-stage percutaneous technique for gastrostomy button insertion rather than the two-stage technique currently used.


RESULTS
Seven patients (aged 1 to 14 years) had a percutaneous gastrostomy button inserted with no mortality and only minor morbidity. No balloon failed.


CONCLUSIONS
This technique is safe and avoids the potential morbidity of a second anesthetic in this high-risk group of patients.
Griffiths
M
M
Southampton General Hospital, United Kingdom.
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004750:Enteral Nutrition / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005773:Gastroscopy; D005774:Gastrostomy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000401:mortality; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D013270:Stomach / Q000601:surgery