Laparoscopic gastrostomy

Although percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) has become a common technique for the placement of gastrostomy tubes, gastrostomy can be performed via the laparoscopic approach with minimal trauma or by using a percutaneous gastrostomy kit. In this report, we describe two procedures for laparoscopic gastrostomy using standard instruments. Standard laparoscopic techniques are used to create a pneumoperitoneum. In the first method, three transparieto-transgastric U stitches are placed to surround the site selected for the gastrostomy. A Foley catheter is inserted through the abdominal and gastric opening, then tied to the stomach with a pursestring suture. Traction on the balloon catheter brings the stomach to the anterior abdominal wall, where the three U stitches can be tied. In the second method, a 9-cm vascularized isoperistaltic gastric tube is made on the greater curvature using an endoscopic linear cutter and preserving the gastro-omental vessels. This gastric tube is then brought out through the anterior abdominal wall via a trocar orifice, opened, and fixed to the skin as for standard ostomy. Laparoscopic gastrostomy is a straightforward procedure that reduces postoperative pain and ileus. It obviates the need for a laparotomy while creating an adequate gastrostomy. Postoperative recovery is prompt, with rapid return of intestinal function and early discharge from the hospital. It not only represents an alternative to PEG when this route is not suitable or after failure of the procedure, but can also be widely used for patients as a first choice.