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Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in small medically complex infants.
1Dept. of Pediatrics, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Endoscopy
|June 9, 2001
Summary
Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is safe for infants under 3.5 kg. While pneumoperitoneum can occur, it usually requires intervention only in these small patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Neonatal Care
Background:
- Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is common in pediatrics.
- Limited data exists on PEG safety in infants < 3.5 kg.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and feasibility of PEG in infants weighing less than 3.5 kg.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 26 infants (< 3.5 kg) who underwent PEG placement.
- Procedures performed under general anesthesia using 14- or 15-Fr tubes.
Main Results:
- All 26 PEG placements were successful.
- Minor complications included pneumoperitoneum (7.6%), skin erythema (7.6%), and cellulitis (3.8%).
- Tube removal by traction was successful in 61.5% of cases.
Conclusions:
- PEG insertion is a safe procedure for very small, medically complex infants.
- Pneumoperitoneum in this population may necessitate intervention.