Comparison of balloon- and mushroom-retained large-bore gastrostomy catheters.

OBJECTIVE: We conducted a retrospective study to evaluate two different types of percutaneous fluoroscopic gastrostomy procedures and catheters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between July 8, 1999, and August 4, 2000, 80 percutaneous gastrostomy catheters were placed in 80 patients in 80 attempts. Twenty-five 16-, 18-, or 20-French balloon-retained catheters and 55 20-French mushroom-retained catheters were inserted. Typically, the type of catheters placed was based on operator preference. However, balloon-retained tubes were preferred for use in patients with obstructive head and neck or esophageal malignancies, and mushroom-retained catheters were preferred for use in demented or combative patients. Follow-up was conducted through chart reviews and telephone interviews. The technical success, procedural complications, and catheter complications were recorded. Chi-square statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: Technical success was 100% (80/80 patients), and no procedural complications occurred. In patients who received balloon-retained catheters, the major complication rate was 0%, the minor complication rate was 8% (2/25 patients), and the tube complication rate was 68% (17/25 patients). The following complications occurred: catheter dislodgment (n = 17), superficial cellulitis (n = 1), and bleeding gastric ulcer (n = 1). In patients who received mushroom-retained catheters, the major complication rate was 0%, the minor complication rate was 3.6% (2/55 patients), and the tube complication rate was 3.6% (2/55 patients). The following complications occurred: superficial cellulitis (n = 2), tube occlusion (n = 1), and peristomal tube leakage (n = 1). No significant differences in major or minor complications were found between the gastrostomy procedures. Balloon-retained catheters had a significantly higher rate of tube complications (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Compared with balloon-retained catheters, mushroom-retained gastrostomy catheters are significantly more durable, more secure, and less prone to tube dysfunction. Mushroom-retained catheters should be the preferred type of gastrostomy catheter to place in patients whenever possible.

Radiologic gastrostomy placement: pigtail- versus mushroom-retained catheters.

OBJECTIVE: Two different types of percutaneous fluoroscopic gastrostomy procedures were prospectively evaluated. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Between January 1, 1998, and August 10, 1999, 127 percutaneous gastrostomy catheters were placed in 128 patients in 128 attempts. Seventy-five 12- or 14-French pigtail-retained catheters and fifty-two 20-French mushroom-retained catheters were inserted. Catheters were generally placed on the basis of operator preference except pigtail-retained tubes were preferentially placed in patients with head and neck or esophageal malignancies and mushroom-retained catheters were preferentially placed in neurologically compromised or combative patients. The technical success, procedural complications, and catheter complications were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: Ninety-nine percent (127/128) of the procedures were successful, and there were no procedural complications. One catheter was not placed because the colon intervened between the abdominal wall and stomach. In patients who received pigtail-retained catheters, the major complication rate was 3% (2/75), the minor complication rate was 8% (6/75), and the tube complication rate was 36% (27/75). The following complications were seen: tube occlusion (n = 12), inadvertent catheter removal (n = 8), peristomal tube leakage (n = 7), superficial cellulitis (n = 4), aspiration pneumonia (n = 2), and T-fastener cellulitis (n = 2). In patients who received mushroom-retained catheters, the major complication rate was 0%, the minor complication rate was 2% (1/52), and the tube complication rate was 2% (1/52). Complications were superficial cellulitis (n = 1) and partial catheter fracture (n = 1). There were no significant differences in major and minor complications between procedures. Pigtail-retained catheters had a significantly higher rate of tube complications (p < 0.001) CONCLUSION: Compared with pigtail-retained catheters, mushroom-retained gastrostomy catheters are more durable and secure and are less prone to tube dysfunction. These catheters should be preferentially placed when possible.