A precision-designed gastrostomy button securement device.

BACKGROUND: Gastrostomy buttons (g-buttons) are commonly placed in children to facilitate weight gain, correct nutritional deficiencies, and provide hydration and/or medication delivery. At our institution, parents are taught to place a gauze sponge under their child's g-button and secure it with strips of tape; however, the g-button still moves in the tract, which delays wound healing and leads to a variety of tract-related complications. We viewed this universal problem as a challenge and a prime opportunity for innovation. METHODS: In 2016, a pediatric surgeon and a team of graduate engineering students outlined the problem, created a list of design requirements, and began to iterate on a variety of device designs. RESULTS: Over 400 design ideas were iterated upon to various degrees. The first prototype was studied in a small clinical trial, in which 80% of caregivers reported satisfaction with the design, but 90% noted difficulty connecting the extension feeding tube. A second-generation prototype was developed, which included a reusable lid and disposable base layer. Third- generation prototypes added "edge-grippers" to facilitate attaching the extension tubing, plus pre-cut absorbent, sterile gauze pads to fit around the stem of the g-button. Finally, in 2020, the design was finalized with the addition of a childproof hinge between the lid and base layer. CONCLUSIONS: An intuitive g-button securement device was created to simplify daily gauze replacement, reduce tract-related complications, and lower the cost of care. A randomized controlled trial comparing the securement device to the "tic-tac-toe" dressing will begin in early 2022 with results available later this year.

Buried bumper syndrome: prevention and management in the community.

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a well-established form of artificial nutrition. Buried bumper syndrome (BBS) is a rare but severe complication related to this type of feeding tube. BBS is described as when the internal bumper migrates into the stoma tract and/or the mucosa, and the inner lining of the stomach starts to grow around and over the internal bumper. It can result in pain, infection and the loss of the feeding tube as a port of entry for delivery of nutrition, hydration and medication into the stomach. When suspected, BBS requires urgent referral into specialist hospital services. It is somewhat preventable with appropriate aftercare; however, incidents do occur. The evidence and guidance on care of PEGs differs, and more data and research are needed into the incidence of BBS and what influences it. Access to appropriate nutrition support teams is essential to support patients and their caregivers with all aspects of enteral feeding.

Radiology guided antegrade GASTROSTOMY deployment of mushroom (pull type) catheters with classical and modified methods in patients with oropharyngeal, laryngeal carcinoma, and anesthesia risk.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of study is to evaluate the results of deployment of Percutaneous Radiological Gastrostomy (PRG), which is a good alternative to Surgical Gastrostomy (SG), with transoral approach in cases where Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) is contraindicated, difficult or unsuccessful, in patients with high risk of American Society of Anesthesiologists with four scores. In addition, we aimed to demonstrate the advantages of mushroom pull type catheters over push type gastrostomy catheters. METHODS: This retrospective study included a total of 40 patients (18 females and 22 males) aged 21-92 years who underwent PRG with the antegrade transoral approach. PRG was performed by retrograde passing through the esophagus or snaring the guidewire from the stomach and taking out of the anterior abdominal wall. Patients' demographic data, indications for PRG, procedural outcomes and complications were screened and recorded. RESULTS: PRG was performed in 39 of 40 patients included in the study. Technical success rate was 97.5%. Procedure-dependent major complications such as death, aspiration, colon perforation, and deep abscess were not observed. Aspiration occurred in the first patient during the first feeding on the day after the procedure. Major complication rate was 2.5%. The total minor complication rate was 17.5% in 7 patients; parastomal leakage in 2 patients (5%), skin rash and infection in 3 (7.5%) patients, minor bleeding in 2 (5%) patients with oropharynx cancer, minimal bleeding from the gastrostomy catheter 1 week after the procedure in 1 (2.5%) patient. None of the cases had buried buffer. Tube functionality was preserved in all patients without any damage. CONCLUSION: Mushroom tip (pull type) gastrostomy catheter is a safe treatment method for patients requiring prolonged feeding because of wide diameter, endurance, long staying opening duration, less excessive dilatation and parastomal leakage, and no need for gastropexy. Lower cost and easier access are advantageous for mushroom tip pull type catheters compared to push type gastrostomy catheters in our country. The less invasive PRG is an alternative option in patients who are difficult to administer PEG, are at high anesthesia risk and cannot be sedated. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: This article is valuable in terms of its contribution to develop an alternative radiological method for the deployment of gastrostomy tubes in medical difficult patients. This method has shortened the duration of the procedure and increased the success rate in patients with difficulty in transition from the stomach to the esophagus or with difficulty in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Mushroom tip catheters can be placed successfully by radiological methods.

Management of Postoperative Complications Following Common Pediatric Operations.

This review discusses complications unique to pediatric surgical populations. Here the authors focus primarily on five of the most common procedures performed in children: appendectomy, central venous catheterization, pyloromyotomy, gastrostomy, and inguinal/umbilical hernia repair.

Gastrostomy Tubes Placed in Children With Neurologic Impairment: Associated Morbidity and Mortality.

BACKGROUND: Gastrostomy tube (G-tube) placement for children with neurologic impairment with dysphagia has been suggested for pneumonia prevention. However, prior studies demonstrated an association between G-tube placement and increased risk of pneumonia. We evaluate the association between timing of G-tube placement and death or severe pneumonia in children with neurologic impairment. METHODS: We included all children enrolled in California Children's Services between July 1, 2009, and June 30, 2014, with neurologic impairment and 1 pneumonia hospitalization. Prior to analysis, children with new G-tubes and those without were 1:2 propensity score matched on sociodemographics, medical complexity, and severity of index hospitalization. We used a time-varying Cox proportional hazard model for subsequent death or composite outcome of death or severe pneumonia to compare those with new G-tubes vs those without, adjusting for covariates described above. RESULTS: A total of 2490 children met eligibility criteria, of whom 219 (9%) died and 789 (32%) had severe pneumonia. Compared to children without G-tubes, children with new G-tubes had decreased risk of death (hazard ratio [HR] 0.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.39-0.55) but increased risk of the composite outcome (HR 1.21, CI 1.14-1.27). Sensitivity analyses using varied time criteria for definitions of G-tube and outcome found that more recent G-tube placement had greater associated risk reduction for death but increased risk of severe pneumonia. CONCLUSION: Recent G-tube placement is associated with reduced risk of death but increased risk of severe pneumonia. Decisions to place G-tubes for pulmonary indications in children with neurologic impairment should weigh the impact of severe pneumonia on quality of life.

Safely replacing a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube using a portable X-ray system at a patient's home.

An 81-year-old woman who underwent percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) a year before, after cerebral infarction was receiving home medical care. The first accidental PEG tube removal occurred after clinic hours, and the home-care doctor visited her home to quickly reinsert the tube. After the narrowed fistula was dilated, the tube was reinserted with a guide wire. An X-ray taken with a CALNEO Xair, which is an easily portable X-ray system launched in 2018, confirmed that the tip of the PEG tube was successfully placed in the stomach. A similar accidental removal occurred 2 months later, and we managed it in the same way. Both events were resolved with a single radiograph without significant difficulty. With in-home medical care, PEG tube replacement can be performed easily and safely with a handy portable X-ray system.

Gastrocutaneous fistulas after PEG removal in adult cancer patients: frequency and treatment options.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: PEG removal in head and neck cancer patients (HNCPs) is performed after treatment, in case of disease remission and after adequate oral intake is resumed. The PEG tract usually closes spontaneously within 2-3 days. Persistent gastrocutaneous fistula (GCF) is a rare complication after PEG tube removal and is characterized by the persistence of gastric leakage through the fistulous tract for more than 1 month. Our main goal was to access the incidence and the success of a treatment algorithm for GCF in HNCPs. METHODS: Retrospective unicentric study of HNCPs referred for PEG removal between 2014 and 2018. The patients with GCF were selected and their sequential treatment was reviewed. RESULTS: In 331 patients with PEGs removed, 19 (5.7%) GCFs were documented. Medical therapy (4-8 weeks) was performed with clinical success (definitive closure of the GCF) in 12 (63.2%) patients. The remaining seven patients required endoscopic or surgical treatment. In four, endoscopic treatment had technical and clinical success (in three patients with fulguration of the gastric leak edges with argon plasma coagulation, silver nitrate in the path and external orifice, and closure of the internal orifice with hemoclips and in one with an over-the-scope-clip). Only three patients underwent surgery, one due to clinical failure of sequential endoscopic therapy and two had direct surgery. CONCLUSION: GCF occurs rarely after PEG removal in HNCPs. Medical therapy is usually effective and should be maintained for at least 8 weeks. Endoscopic therapy is an effective second-line option with and surgery rarely required.

Surgical Gastrostomy in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Practices of performing gastrostomy tubes vary across institutions for patients undergoing cardiac surgery. We aim to elucidate the outcomes of gastrostomy and the duration of feeding assistance in these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients undergoing cardiac surgery (CS) at our institution from 2013 to 2017 were retrospectively reviewed using the Society of Thoracic Surgery database. A cohort of non-CS patients undergoing gastrostomy tube (g-tube) placement from 2013 to 2015 was used as control. Technical complications and postoperative feeding intolerance were analyzed. Duration of need for g-tube was also analyzed in patients undergoing CS. RESULTS: The CS group had 144 patients, and the non-CS group had 677 patients. CS patients had a higher incidence of feeding intolerance (18.8% versus 5.6%, P < 0.001) and took longer to attain full feeds (median of 2 versus 1 d, P < 0.001), and this was confirmed on propensity matched analysis. In addition, technical g-tube complications were similar in the two groups. No mortality in CS was attributed to the g-tube. 58% of patients undergoing CS were able to wean from g-tube feeding by 6-12 mo after g-tube placement. CONCLUSIONS: G-tube placement in patients undergoing CS by any technique is safe without increased complications. A significant portion of these patients was able to wean off supplemental enteral feeding assistance by a year after g-tube placement.

Methods for a Seamless Transition From Tracheostomy to Spontaneous Breathing in Patients With COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected health care delivery worldwide. A small yet significant number of patients with respiratory failure will require prolonged mechanical ventilation while recovering from the viral-induced injury. The majority of reports thus far have focused on the epidemiology, clinical factors, and acute care of these patients, with less attention given to the recovery phase and care of those patients requiring extended time on mechanical ventilation. In this paper, we review the procedures and methods to safely care for patients with COVID-19 who require tracheostomy, gastrostomy, weaning from mechanical ventilation, and final decannulation. The guiding principles consist of modifications in the methods of airway care to safely prevent iatrogenesis and to promote safety in patients severely affected by COVID-19, including mitigation of aerosol generation to minimize risk for health care workers.

Cerebral and Renal Oxygenation in Infants Undergoing Laparoscopic Gastrostomy Tube Placement.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum on cerebral and renal oxygenation and oxygen extraction, in a cohort of infants from the neonatal intensive care unit, undergoing laparoscopic gastrostomy. METHODS: After institutional review board approval, between February 2018 and June 2019, infants 0-3 mo corrected age, undergoing laparoscopic gastrostomy tube placement, were included. Strict exclusion criteria created a homogeneous cohort. Cerebral and renal tissue oxygen saturation (rSO2) by near-infrared spectroscopy, skin surface oxygen saturation (SpO2), by pulse oximetry, and amplitude-integrated electroencephalography were measured. Monitoring was divided into preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative time periods. Cerebral and renal fractional tissue oxygen extraction was calculated using arterial (SpO2) and tissue oxygen saturation (rSO2): (SpO2-rSO2SpO2)X100. Data were averaged into one-minute epochs and significant changes from baseline during the intraoperative and postoperative periods were detected using one-way analysis of variance with repeated measures. RESULTS: This pilot study examined sixteen infants, born at a median gestational age of 34.2 wk (range: 23.0-40.6) with a median corrected age of 42.9 wk (range: 40.0-46.3) at operation. None had seizure activity or altered sleep-wake cycles. No statistically significant variations in cerebral and renal tissue oxygenation and extraction were observed. Pulse oximetry did demonstrate significant variation from baseline on analysis of variance, but post hoc analysis did not identify any one specific time point at which this difference was significant. CONCLUSIONS: During a short infant laparoscopic procedure, no significant alteration in cerebral or renal oxygenation or oxygen extraction was observed. No seizure activity or changes in infant sleep-wake cycles occurred.

Percutaneous radiologically guided gastrostomy tubes: Procedural description and biomechanical comparison in a canine model.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the novel placement of percutaneous radiologically guided gastrostomy (PRG) tubes in a canine cadaveric model and to biomechanically compare PRG and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube constructs. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive and biomechanical experimental study. ANIMALS: Fifteen large breed (>25 kg) canine cadavers. METHODS: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tubes, low-profile PRG tubes, and standard PRG tubes were each placed in five canine cadavers. Body wall and stomach (with attached gastrostomy tube constructs) were harvested and biomechanically tested. Data regarding the maximal load to failure and procedure time were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy and PRG tube placement was successful in all cadavers with no procedure-related complications. Gastrostomy tube placement time was longer for the PEG group vs the low-profile PRG (P = .005) and standard PRG (P = .037) groups. Peak construct strength was lower for the PEG group vs the low-profile PRG (P = .002) and standard PRG (P = .010) groups. The site of failure varied among groups. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous radiologically guided gastrostomy tubes were successfully placed in all cases with shorter placement time and greater peak construct strength compared with PEG tubes. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Due to the increased load to failure as well as decreased placement time recorded for PRG tubes relative to PEG tubes, PRG tubes may be considered as an alternative minimally invasive gastrostomy option in large breed canine patients. Further evaluation in clinical animals is required. Results of this work were presented at the 2019 American College of Veterinary Surgeons Surgery Summit; October 16-19, 2019; Las Vegas, Nevada.

How to perform EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy easier and safer.

Highlight Hara and colleagues explain their easier and safer technique of endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy using forward-viewing endoscopic ultrasound and ultra-slim devices. The combination of the stiff 0.018-inch guidewire and the 22-gauge needle is helpful for this method.

Postpyloric Balloon Occlusion to Increase Technical Success during Pediatric Percutaneous Gastrostomy/Gastrojejunostomy Tube Placement.

Gastric distension through insufflation is a key step in creating a safe percutaneous window during gastrostomy/gastrojejunostomy (G/GJ) placement; however, poor or incomplete gastric distention can occur, despite the use of glucagon, and lead to rapid egress of air from the stomach into the duodenum. This report describes the adjunctive technique using postpyloric balloon occlusion in 29 patients to maximize gastric insufflation during G/GJ tube placement after failure of conventional methods. Balloon occlusion was successful in salvaging 23 of 29 (79.3%) of G/GJ tube placements without any complications.

Early Buried Bumper Syndrome Treated by Bedside Replacement

BACKGROUND: Buried bumper syndrome (BBS) mostly occurs as a late complication after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) insertion; however, early BBS has been rarely reported, and the treatment of this condition is still unclear. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the Seldinger technique for treatment of early BBS after PEG insertion. METHODS: We report two cases of early BBS in two consecutive patients who underwent PEG insertion to maintain oral intake. The first patient was an 83-year-old woman showing Alzheimer type dementia, while the other one was a 76-year-old man who presented with maxillary cancer and treated with radiotherapy followed by left maxillectomy. Post-surgery, he developed progressive difficulty of swallowing due to mouth deformation and treatment related nerve toxicity. The first patient presented with fever and purulent discharge from the gastrostomy insertion site, without ability to rotate or slide the tube through the stoma 10 days after the PEG insertion. The man was admitted to the hospital 5 days following PEG insertion due to a fever of 38°C and peritubal swelling with purulent discharge. In addition, the tube could not rotate or slide through the stoma. RESULTS: Buried bumper syndrome was demonstrated by computed tomography scan. Gastroscopy and gastrostomy tube replacement was performed successfully according to the Seldinger technique (replacement over guidewire) in both cases. Correct intragastric tube positioning was demonstrated radiographically before resuming tube feeding. The two patients were discharged in good physical condition several days later. CONCLUSIONS: External replacement over guide wire should be considered in such cases.

Percutaneous Ultrasound Gastrostomy: First-in-Human Experience with the PUMA-G System.

Percutaneous ultrasound gastrostomy (PUG) technique was developed to allow for gastrostomy tube insertion to be performed solely under ultrasound guidance without need for fluoroscopy or endoscopy. This report discusses the new device, proposed PUG technique, and the first-in-human experience. Five patients had PUG tube insertion performed as part of a Health Canada approved investigational study. All procedures were successful with no complications within 30 days postprocedure. Mean total procedure time was 50 ± 13 minutes. Two of 5 procedures required temporary fluoroscopy use to localize the orogastric balloon position within the stomach to achieve magnetic gastropexy.

The Use of a Fixation Dressing to Reduce Complications After Neonatal Gastrostomy Tube Placement.

Objective: Gastrostomy tubes (GTs) are one of the most common procedures in neonatal surgery, and their malfunction represents one of the most common complaints in the emergency room and clinic. Complications can occur in up to one-third of patients and include pain, peristomal leak, and infection, but can range in severity. We hypothesize that a preventative strategy employing a GT fixation dressing at the time of operation minimizes these postoperative complications in neonates. Approach: All patients less than 1 year of age who underwent laparoscopic GT placement by a single surgeon in the study period were reviewed. All tubes were secured in place on the external abdominal wall for 2 weeks postoperatively. Demographics and outcomes were evaluated. Results: Fifty-three percent of our cohort were male, and 47% were premature. The most common indication for placement was failure to thrive (59%), and common comorbid conditions were characterized as neurologic (71%), and cardiac (59%). The dressing did not prevent hypertrophic granulation tissue formation, but no patient experienced surgical site infection or device-related pressure injury at 30 and 120 days postoperatively. No patient required reoperation or readmission. Innovation: This simple, one-time, cost-effective fixation dressing has the potential to reduce some of the most common postoperative surgical issues in neonatal patients and can be applied in almost any health care setting. Conclusions: A dressing aimed at tube fixation and immobilization for the first two postoperative weeks averts some of the major complications of GT placement over a standard follow-up period as compared with the literature.

Conservative recovery and replacement of a ruptured percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube; a case report.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) feeding tubes are frequently placed in patients to provide enteral nutrition. We report a case of a complete rupture of a PEG tube intra-abdominally with associated peritonitis after more than a month of PEG placement and utilization. To our knowledge, this is a very rare case of a complete PEG rupture with the succeeding replacement and recovery of the fractured segments conservatively. CASE PRESENTATION: A 69-year-old female with a PEG in position and in use for more than a month started complaining of severe abdominal pain. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) tubogram revealed rupture and separation of the PEG tube into two fragments. Interventional radiology (IR) team was successful with their conservative approach. Both fragments were removed conservatively without the need for laparotomy. The distal fragment was utilized to place a guide wire, and a new PEG was placed in position with no intraabdominal leak. CONCLUSION: Ruptured PEG tube should be considered in the differential of patients complaining of sudden abdominal pain, especially after chronic PEG utilization. Conservative approach by IR is a viable option in correcting this mishap.

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy: dealing with the issue of dislodgement.

Introduction: Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) is accepted as an efficient method to provide long-term enteral nutrition. PEG accidental dislodgement (device exteriorization confirmed by expert evaluation) rate is high and can lead to major morbidity.Objective: To identify independent risk factors for PEG accidental dislodgement.Methods: Retrospective, single-center study, including consecutive patients submitted to PEG procedure, for 38 consecutive months. Every patient had 12 months minimum follow-up after PEG placement. Univariate analysis selected variables with at least marginal association (p < .15) with the outcome variable, PEG dislodgement, which were included in a logistic regression multivariate model. Discriminative power was assessed using area under curve (AUC) of the receiver operating curve (ROC).Results: We included 164 patients, 67.7% (111) were female, mean age was 81 years. We report 59 (36%) PEG dislodgements, of which 13 (7.9%) corresponded to early dislodgements. The variables with marginal association were hypoalbuminemia (p = .095); living at home (p = .049); living in a nursing home (p = .074); cerebrovascular disease (CVD) (p = .028); weight change of more than 5 kg, either increase or decrease (p = .001); psychomotor agitation (p < .001); distance inner bumper-abdominal wall (p = .034) and irregular appointment follow-up (p = .149). At logistic multivariate regression, the significant variables after model adjustment were CVD OR 4.8 (CI 95% 2.0-11.8), weight change OR 4.7 (CI 95%1.6-13.9) and psychomotor agitation OR 18.5 (CI 95% 5.2-65.6), with excellent discriminative power (AUC ROC 0.797 [CI95% 0.719-0.875]).Conclusion: PEG is a common procedure and accidental dislodgement is a frequent complication. CVD, psychomotor agitation and weight change >5 kg increase the risk of this complication and should be seriously considered when establishing patients' individual care requirements.