Primary laparoscopic placement of gastrostomy buttons for feeding tubes. A safer and simpler technique

During a 4-year period, 240 gastrostomy buttons were placed in children, as the initial surgical feeding tube, using laparoscopic techniques.

The technique requires the use of a minilaparoscope (1.6-mm) and a single 5-mm trocar placed at the exit site for the gastrostomy button. It can also be performed in addition to a laparoscopic fundoplication using the same trocar sites. The technique requires no special instrumentation or kits. When performed alone, operative times average 15 min. When performed with fundoplication, it adds approximately 5-10 min to the time for the procedure.

There were no intraoperative complications and five (2.1%) postoperative complications.

This technique has proven to be simple and effective. It allows primary placement of a gastrostomy button that is cosmetically and functionally superior to a gastrostomy tube.