Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 21, 2026
Robotic Pancreatoduodenectomy for Pancreatic Head Cancer: a Case Report of a Standardized Technique
Published on: June 24, 2022
Non-endoscopic removal of radiologically placed percutaneous primary gastrostomy tubes: a new technique
A M Cahill1, R D Kaye, C R Fitz
1Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Department of Radiology, PA 15217, USA. Cahilla@chplink.chp.edu
Insights
This study introduces a safe and effective non-endoscopic method for removing percutaneous gastrostomy tubes (PGT) in children. The technique demonstrated a high success rate, simplifying gastrostomy management and avoiding complications associated with retained PGT remnants.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Radiology
- Gastroenterology
- Minimally Invasive Procedures
Background:
- Percutaneous gastrostomy tubes (PGT) are crucial for enteral feeding in pediatric patients.
- Traditional removal methods can be invasive or carry risks.
- A need exists for safe, efficient PGT removal techniques in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and evaluate a novel non-endoscopic technique for removing radiologically inserted primary percutaneous gastrostomy tubes (PGT).
- To assess the safety and efficacy of this method in the pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 172 pediatric patients undergoing non-endoscopic PGT removal over 9 years.
- Procedures were performed under conscious sedation with a mean duration of 30 minutes.
- Indications included gastrostomy button conversion, balloon gastrostomy/jejunostomy placement, and termination of enteral feeding.
Main Results:
- Successful PGT disc retrieval was achieved in 169 out of 173 procedures (98%).
- No deaths occurred; minor complications included disc lodgement and one gastrocolic fistula.
- The mean time from PGT insertion to removal was 14 months.
Conclusions:
- Non-endoscopic PGT disc removal is a rapid and safe procedure in pediatric patients.
- This technique simplifies conversion to gastrostomy buttons within the radiology department.
- It effectively mitigates risks of retained PGT fragments and disc migration.
Purpose:
To present a new technique for non-endoscopic removal of radiologically inserted primary percutaneous gastrostomy tubes (PGT) and to assess the utility and safety of this technique in the pediatric population.
Materials And Methods:
Over a 9-year period 172 children (80 F, 92 M) mean age 10 years (range 0.29-24 years) underwent removal of radiologically placed PGTs in the Radiology Department. All procedures were performed with conscious sedation. The procedure time ranged from 20 to 45 min (mean 30 min). The procedures were performed electively at > or = 3 14 months for either gastrostomy button placement (70), balloon gastrostomy and jejunostomy placement (55), or G tube removal at termination of enteral feeding (15).
Results:
PGT disc retrievals were successful performed in 169 of 173 (98%). No technical failures occurred, but five procedures failed due to PGT disc lodgement in gastric wall (four), and gastrocolic fistula (one). One child had a repeat procedure due to premature removal of the primary PGT necessitating replacement. No deaths occurred. PGT discs retrieval was performed at a mean time interval of 14 months from initial PGT insertion (range 3-40 months).
Conclusion:
Non-endoscopic GT disc removal is a quick and safe procedure. It facilitates easy conversion to a gastrostomy button in the radiology setting and avoids the risk of a retained percutaneous gastrostomy tube remnant and intra/transmural migration of discs.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:29Endoscopic Procedures I: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
During an EGD, the endoscope can be used to:
01:26Enteral Nutrition I: Orogastric and Nasogastric Feeding
Orogastric (OG) and nasogastric (NG) feeding are two standard methods used for enteral nutrition. Enteral nutrition is often preferred over...
01:15Enteral Nutrition II: Nasointestinal and Gastrostomy Feeding
Nasointestinal Feeding
Nasointestinal feeding involves placing a tube through...