A simple and safe minimally invasive technique for laparoscopic gastrostomy.
BACKGROUND
Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is the procedure of choice in the nutritional management of patients requiring gastrostomies. However, PEG tubes are not always feasible. The aim of the present study was to determine the feasibility, complications, and adequacy of feeding support of a novel laparoscopic gastrostomy technique in adults where PEG tubes were neither feasible nor safe.


METHODS
A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent a laparoscopic gastrostomy from August 2007 to July 2008 was performed. Demographic and outcome data were abstracted.


RESULTS
Fourteen patients underwent laparoscopic gastrostomy. Nine had obstructing head/neck cancer, 2 had severe head trauma, and one was morbidly obese. Nine patients had previous abdominal surgery. The mean operative time was 29.8 minutes (+/-7.2). There were no conversions to open gastrostomy. Two ports (5mm and 10mm) were used in the majority of patients (78.5%). No major complications were observed. The mean follow-up was 3.1 months (range, 2 to 8).


CONCLUSIONS
This innovative 2-port laparoscopic technique for gastrostomy tube placement is safe and effective. It allows for the quick, accurate, and safe insertion of the feeding tube under direct visualization and avoids open techniques in patients where PEG tubes are not feasible.
Department of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. ekandil@tulane.edu
Emad
E
Kandil
Haytham
H
Alabbas
Christian
C
Jacob
Paul
P
Friedlander
Juan
J
Duchesne
Virendra
V
Joshi
Charles
C
Bellows
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004750:Enteral Nutrition; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005774:Gastrostomy / Q000379:methods*; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000601:surgery; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013536:Suture Techniques