Background: Gastrostomy tube placement is among the most common gastrointestinal procedures performed in children. The U-stitch laparoscopic technique allows primary button placement and the advantages of laparoscopy. The purpose of this study was to quantify the completion rate and the occurrence of complications in a large single-institution experience.
Materials and methods: All laparoscopic gastrostomy procedures between April 2000 and May 2005 were reviewed. Complications that required operative treatment or hospital readmission were classified as early (<90 days) or late (> or =90 days).
Results: Laparoscopic gastrostomies were created in 461 patients during the study period with primary buttons being placed in 444 (96%). No procedure-related deaths occurred. Early complications included: reoperation secondary to tube dislodgement in 7 patients (1.5%), herniation of omentum postoperatively in 3 patients (0.6%), and development of granulation tissue or everted gastric mucosa requiring excision in 13 patients (3.2%). Late complications occurred in 8 patients (1.7%), with three (0.7%) requiring revision of the gastrostomy due to local site problems. Five patients (1.1%) had intraperitoneal placement of tubes during attempted replacement after 90 days. Age, infancy, and neurological impairment were not associated with a higher rate of complications.
Conclusion: The U-stitch gastrostomy technique is safe and allows primary button placement in infants and children. Its complication rate compares favorably to other reported gastrostomy techniques.