title: Witzel gastrostomy in gynecologic surgery.
abstract: Tube gastrostomy is a well-accepted procedure for gastrointestinal decompression and the relief of small bowel obstruction. The Witzel technique was used in 123 patients undergoing pelvic-abdominal surgery for known or suspected gynecologic malignancy or for clinical bowel obstruction. For 115 patients, the tube remained in place from 3 to 18 days (mean, 8 days). Eight patients were discharged from the hospital with the tube in place, and these functioned successfully from 43 to 136 days. Sixteen patients (13%) had complications, but there was neither long-term morbidity nor mortality associated with the tube. Witzel gastrostomy, using a Foley catheter, is easily learned, inexpensive, and has an acceptable complication rate. When the need for long-term gastrointestinal decompression is anticipated, Witzel gastrostomy is preferred to nasogastric tube suctioning to facilitate patient care and comfort.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fairfax Hospital, Falls Church, Virginia 22046, USA.
authors.forename: B F
authors.initials: BF
authors.lastname: Helmkamp
authors.forename: H B
authors.initials: HB
authors.lastname: Krebs
authors.forename: L A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Kiley
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D005774:Gastrostomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures; D006801:Humans