Safety and Effectiveness of Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy in Children

Abstract

Objective: To determine the safety and effectiveness of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in Paediatrics population.

Study Design: Prospective longitudinal study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Pak Emirates Military hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan,
from Mar 2014 till Dec 2017.

Methodology: Total 40 children who underwent percutaneous gastrostomy at the Paediatric gastroenterology department
were included in the study. Patients were followed up for a period for 6 months. Demographic data, indications, weight gain
and complications were noted for 6 months after the procedure.

Results: Forty patients were enrolled and there were 23(57.5%) males with mean age of 39.8±20.2 months. Swallowing
difficulty 23(47.5%) was the major indication followed by poor weight gain 10(25%), prolonged nasogastric tube feeding
8(20%) and frequent aspirations 3(7.5%). Majority 32(80%) had underlying diagnosis of cerebral palsy. In six months follow
up, 38(95%) children had an increment in weight (mean weight gain 1.89±1.0Kg). Early feed at 6 hours after procedure was
tolerated by 38(95%) of patients. The majority of children did not have any complications and only few were observed to have
wound infection, vomiting, and irritability in 3(7.50%), 1(2.50%) and 3(7.50%) respectively.

Conclusion: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement is a minimally invasive, safe and effective feeding technique for
neurologically impaired children, especially cerebral palsy patients requiring long term assisted feeding.