title: Outcome of laparoscopy-assisted feeding tube insertion in elderly stroke victims.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  When percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is not possible, or fails, the patient is referred for laparoscopic gastrostomy or jejunostomy (LAG/J).
  
  
  METHODS
  During 2005-2008, we performed laparoscopy-assisted feeding tube insertion on 15 patients. We assessed the outcome in terms of leaks, infection, longevity etc. The patients were followed-up for up to 12 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The procedure was successful in 14/15 patients. However, thirteen died within little more than a year, of whom seven suffered from pneumonia or aspiration.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our study confirms that LAG/J is technically possible, carries a high morbidity, is a last ditch attempt and that it does not change the general prognosis of these debilitated patients.
authors: University Hospital Lewisham, London, SE13 6LH, United Kingdom. dr_durai@yahoo.com
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Durai
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Rose
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Razvi
authors: P C H
authors: PC
authors: Ng