A simplified laparoscopic-assisted gastrostomy technique: a single center experience

Background: Although percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is considered simple and effective, major complications have been reported because of the partly blind placement technique. Laparoscopic gastrostomy was described to overcome most of the problems and the contraindications of PEG. Various modifications have been reported to anchor the stomach to the abdominal wall. This study aims at highlighting a single center experience using a simplified technique for gastrostomy and evaluates its outcome. Results: The age of the patients ranged from 7 days to 3 years (mean 11.75 ± 12 months in group A and 16 ± 3 months in group B). The mean body weight at time of gastrostomy was 6.5 ± 4.6 kg in group A and 7.5 ± 2 in group B. The mean operative time was 24.8 ± 4 min in group A and 25 ± 1.6 in group B, ranging from 18 to 31 min. The incidence of gastrostomy-related complications was 20% (three cases) in group A versus 12.5% (one case) among patients included in group B. Yet, this difference was statistically insignificant (p = 0.651). No major complications were reported apart from persistent gastrocutaneous fistula in one out of eight cases followed after removal of the gastrostomy (12.5%). There is no significant difference in the outcome either in neonates or in patients less than 5 kg. Conclusions: The described simple technique of laparoscopic-assisted gastrostomy is easy, effective, and with a very low incidence of complications. It is also equally safe in neonates and children less than 5 kg.