Gastrojejunal feeding tube use by gastroenterologists in a pediatric academic center.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Enteral feeding through gastrojejunal (GJ) tubes is an established method of nutrition for patients with feeding difficulty who do not tolerate intragastric feedings. The pediatric literature about the long-term outcome, safety, and complications of different GJ tubes and placement methods is lacking. Our study aims to provide information about indications, techniques, and long-term outcome of GJ tube use in children. METHODS: Retrospective chart review for GJ tube placement procedures was used at our center for 10 years (1999-2009). Data collected included demographics, placement indications, underlying diagnosis, tube type, placement methods, complications, tube survival, and patient outcome. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients using GJ tubes were identified, with a total of 160 successful procedures documented (overall success rate of 97.6%). At initial placement, the mean age was 6 years (range 0.6-21.6) and the mean weight was 19.4 kg (range 6.6-72.2). Patients had a mean of 4.9 tubes placed per patient (range 1-20) during a follow-up of 26.8 months (range 0.4-115.3). The most common indications for replacement included accidental dislodgement, tube obstruction, coiling back into the stomach, and broken tube component. At the end of the study, 39% continued using GJ tubes, 30% were transitioned back to gastrostomy or oral feeds, and 15% underwent a surgical intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term GJ tube use is possible and safe in children. Various feeding tubes and placement methods can be used by pediatric gastroenterologists to provide long-term jejunal feeds in children.

Prospective randomized comparative study of low-profile balloon gastrostomy tubes in children.

BACKGROUND: Supplemental enteral nutrition through gastrostomy tubes is well established in children, but prospective studies comparing different tubes remain lacking in this population. The study aimed at comparing different aspects related to the use of low-profile balloon gastrostomy tubes in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors prospectively studied the use of 2 tube types--tube A (MIC-Key gastrostomy tube; Ballard Medical Products, Draper, UT) and tube B (MINI One gastrostomy tube; Applied Medical Technology, Brecksville, OH)--in a cohort of children in a crossover study design. Children were randomly assigned to 1 tube type for 4 months, followed by the other tube type for the next 4 months. Patients were evaluated at enrollment and at 4 and 8 months, with monitoring phone calls at 2 and 6 months. Variables measured included caregiver satisfaction, tube-related complications, and device durability. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients were included in the study. Infection rate (range, 4.8%-5.0%) and overall leakage rate (range, 42.9%-50.0%) were similar in both groups. Trends were noted with other variables measured but without statistical significance. These included lower rates of formula leakage and granulation tissue growth and higher satisfaction scores with tube B and more favorable device durability with tube A. CONCLUSION: Both low-profile balloon gastrostomy tubes performed well and had comparable caregiver satisfaction, complications, and overall device durability.

Safety techniques for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube placement in Pierre Robin Sequence.

Pierre Robin Sequence (PRS) is a craniofacial anomaly characterized by a triad of micrognathia, glossoptosis, and cleft palate. Infants with PRS frequently have feeding problems that may require supplemental nutrition through a nasogastric or gastrostomy tube. Very few published studies have illustrated the most appropriate method for securing an enteral feeding route in this patient population. One case report described a major complication leading to death from airway compromise following percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement. The authors describe a case of an infant with PRS who underwent successful PEG tube placement without complications, and they highlight certain techniques to improve procedure success and patient safety.

Identifying small bowel intussusception related to a gastroenteric feeding tube.

Enteral feedings through gastroenteric (GE) tubes are commonly utilised in patients with feeding difficulties and intolerance to gastric feeding. A variety of complications related to GE tubes have been described which rarely include small bowel intussusception. The case of a 23-year-old man with proximal small bowel intussusception related to an endoscopically placed low profile GE tube is described. The patient presented with abdominal pain and bilious vomiting. Symptoms resolved with tube shortening. This report includes a short review aimed at raising awareness about this complication with a discussion on diagnosis and management.