Comparison of gastrostomy tube replacement verification using air insufflation versus gastrograffin.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the safety of air insufflation as a contrast medium for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube replacement verification with that of the more traditional method using positive contrast material (gastrograffin) under fluoroscopic guidance.


METHODS
Retrospective case series comparing 2 radiographic procedures used for PEG tube verification at a rehabilitation hospital. The first series reviewed studies of patients over 1 year, during which the method of choice for PEG tube replacement verification was with air insufflation. The second series reviewed studies of patients over the subsequent year, during which the method of choice for PEG tube replacement verification was with gastrograffin.


METHODS
An inpatient rehabilitation hospital.


METHODS
Nineteen patients and 29 PEG tube replacements were identified that used air insufflation and 17 patients and 19 PEG tube replacements were identified that used gastrograffin.


METHODS
Not applicable.


METHODS
Medical complications in a 2-week follow-up period as a result of the verification procedures.


RESULTS
There were no cases in either of the replacement procedures in which the PEG tube was found to not be in the gastrointestinal system. There was also no evidence at 2-week follow-up that any of the patients' complications were the result of either procedure.


CONCLUSIONS
The air contrast procedure appears to be a relatively safe alternative procedure for PEG tube replacement verification.
Burke
David T
DT
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA. dburke1@partners.org
El Shami
Amir
A
Heinle
Edward
E
Pina
Burt D
BD
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003287:Contrast Media; D003974:Diatrizoate Meglumine; D004750:Enteral Nutrition / Q000295:instrumentation; D005260:Female; D005773:Gastroscopy; D005774:Gastrostomy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D007441:Intubation, Gastrointestinal / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011029:Pneumoradiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013270:Stomach / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging
D003287:Contrast Media; D003974:Diatrizoate Meglumine